Frequency of oral habits, dysfunctions, and personality traits in bruxing and nonbruxing children: a comparative study

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to compare personality traits, presence of oral myofunctional dysfunctions, and other parafunctional habits in bruxing and nonbruxing children. Fifty-four patients aged 10 to 15 years were seen at the Comprehensive Pediatric Dental Clinic and examined by dentists using the RDC/TMD; speech therapists and psychologists were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: bruxing (A) and nonbruxing (B). Mean age was 13.1 years, S.D. 1.6. No significant differences in age or gender were found between groups. Group A comprised 44.44% of the population and showed a high frequency of middle conscientiousness scores and low frequency of low neuroticism scores. Presence of TMD, unilateral chewing, and high tongue tip position at rest were all significantly higher. Frequency of oral habits was higher in bruxers, who showed significantly increased gum chewing, and lip, cheek, and object biting compared to nonbruxing controls. Bruxism is considered a risk factor for temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD).