PREVALENCE AND RISK-FACTORS OF BRUXISM IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENT POPULATION AND ITS IMPACT ON QUЕALITY OF LIFE...

Bruxism has become more and more debatable and pressing issue all over the world last years. the etiology of bruxism has been changing diverse definitions, over the years, however recently it is defined as a repetitive jaw-muscle activity characterized by clenching or grinding of the teeth and by bracing or thrusting of the mandible. This literature review discusses the possible risk factors of bruxism in children and adolescence, among which behavioral abnormalities and sleep disturbances predominates. Moreover, it reviews pathological impact of bruxism on general health and quality of life. The literature review has been carried out using the "ScienceDirect", "Scopus" and "PubMed" databases in order to define relevant scientific works - published in English, during the last 5 years. 31 most relevant articles were chosen. Bruxism is a psychophysiological disorder that can take place during the day and/ or night, in a form of clenching and grinding. It can cause health problems such as tooth sensitivities, headaches, facial myalgia, ear ache, tightness/stiffness of the shoulders, limitation of mouth opening, sleep disruption, sleep disruption of bed partner due to noise, excess tooth mobility, inflamed & receding gums, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, tooth wear and breakage and tongue's deformation. Considering the potential negative consequences of bruxism on dental and oral health, various clinical methods have been devised to assess it over the years. As the etiology is multifactorial, there is no exact treatment to prevent bruxism. Counselling and behavioral strategies, splint therapy, medications, and contingent electrical stimulation can be used as different ways reducing the effects of bruxism.