FACTORES ASOCIADOS AL BRUXISMO DEL SUEÑO EN NIÑOS. REVISIÓN BIBLIOGRÁFICA

Bruxism is a disorder characterized by involuntary and nonfunctional grinding or clenching of the teeth during sleep. Its etiology is multifactorial but is often associated with genetic factors, psychosocial factors, sleep disorders, parafunctional habits, among others. This pathology can cause serious problems to the stomatognathic system, such as tooth wear, headaches, muscle aches and temporomandibular disorders. Polysomnography is the gold standard for its diagnosis; however, it has certain limitations such as high costs and also requires the patient to sleep in a sleep laboratory. However, its application is difficult for some patients, especially in children. Bruxism should be considered an important public health problem, because children are in a transcendental period for growth and development, the interruption of sleep can cause certain alterations, in addition, maintaining this childhood habit until adulthood can bring repercussions on general health; therefore, early therapeutic intervention should be carried out, in such a way as to improve the quality of life of children.