Pain and Mobility in Children With Sleep Bruxism

Bruxism is defined as repetitive jaw muscle activity characterized by clenching and grinding teeth caused by mandibular movement. Sleep bruxism is frequently seen and can affect the quality of life of individuals. Since bruxism is characterized by clenching teeth, it can cause pain. However, the relationship between bruxism and pain has not been sufficiently studied in the literature. In addition, bruxism can cause problems in joint mobility of the cervical region by affecting the activation of muscles. Although the relationship between the temporomandibular joint and the cervical region is clearly known, the relationship between bruxism and cervical mobility is not clear. For this reason, sleep problems are frequently seen in individuals. The sleep quality of individuals decreases and can cause problems in functionality. However, when the literature is examined, the relationship between bruxism and functional independence in children has not been explained. Since bruxism can reduce the quality of life of individuals due to the indirect effects it causes, it should be seen and evaluated not only as a disorder involving the jaw joint, but as a problem affecting the entire body. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare pain, range of motion, sleep quality and functional independence in children with bruxism and healthy controls.