A case–control study on the relationship between sleep bruxism and mental health conditions, depression and anxiety, in children

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the possible relationship between sleep bruxism, anxiety, depression, and demographic factors in children. Ninety-eight children(49 with bruxism and 49 controls) aged 6-17years were included in this case-control design. Parents completed bruxism questionnaires, and diagnoses were confirmed through intraoral examinations according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine criteria. Psychological assessments were conducted using the Children's Depression Inventory and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Statistical analyses were performed to explore associations between sleep bruxism, anxiety, depression, and demographic variables. No significant differences were observed across age groups; however, adolescents aged 13-17 with sleep bruxism had higher levels of anxiety and depression. Regression analysis indicated that a one-unit increase in anxiety scores may raise the likelihood of bruxism by 2.2 times in adolescents. Female adolescents with bruxism showed anxiety levels almost twice as high as males. No significant associations were identified between bruxism and demographic variables. Early dental referrals for children with elevated anxiety or depression scores may be considered given the potential association with sleep bruxism. Although this study does not demonstrate a direct link or causality, anxiety, depression, and bruxism may be interrelated. These findings underscore the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between psychiatry and dentistry to improve outcomes.