[Sleep bruxism in children]

Effectiveness of immediate dentine sealing and resin coating in reducing dental sensitivity in a child with idiopathic neuropathy and anterior dental attrition: Case report

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic neuropathy is a peripheral nervous system disorder of unknown etiology. Patients with this disorder often suffer from bruxism problems. Bruxism is defined as an oral parafunction characterized by occlusal contacts resulting from non-physiological, repetitive, and involuntary masticatory motor activities. These events can trigger accentuated wear of the tooth structure leading to sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is the pain arising from the exposed dentin in response to chemical, thermal, tactile, or osmotic stimuli that cannot be explained as the result of any other dental defect or disease. Sensitivity treatment using adhesive systems has a long-term or permanent effect. Therefore, this article is aimed at describing the management of dental sensitivity, through dentin sealing and resin coating techniques, during the dental restoration process of a child with idiopathic neuropathy and dental attrition in the anterior sector. All of this, with the consideration of using the minimal intervention philosophy.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 6-year-old male patient diagnosed with idiopathic neuropathy and suffering from multiple dental attritions with dental sensitivity in the upper anterior teeth. With the clinical-radiographic evaluation, the family history, and the interconsultations with the neuropaediatrics service, the definitive diagnosis of dental sensitivity due to stage-3 moderate attrition was obtained, for which rehabilitation of the upper anterior sector was planned through the use of immediate dentin sealing (IDS) and resin coating (RC).

CONCLUSION

The use of IDS and RC techniques shows acceptable sensitivity, which is why these techniques are recommended in cases of moderate attrition in early mixed dentition. The immediate rehabilitation along with the stamping technique improved the aesthetic and functional aspects. Therefore, it is advisable to use them immediately after dentin sealing.

Evaluation of mandibular trabecular bone by fractal analysis on panoramic radiograph in paediatric patients with sleep bruxism

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the trabecular bone density in the mandible of paediatric patients diagnosed with sleep bruxism (SB) using the fractal analysis method on panoramic radiographs.

METHODS

A total of 37 patients whose anamnesis and clinical signs were compatible with SB were diagnosed with SB using BiteStrip^® . Three areas were identified on the panoramic radiographs of the patients: the geometric center of the condyle, the angulus region under the mandibular canal, and the distal region of the mental foramen. Regions of interest (ROIs) of 60 × 60 pixels were selected in these three locations, and fractal dimensions (FDs) were calculated. Results were compared with the control group.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between the right and left FD values, and male and female FD values in all regions and both groups (p > .05). In the angulus (p = .03) and condyle (p = .03) regions, the SB group had a significantly higher FD value than the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the SB and control groups in the corpus region (p = .98). A moderate negative correlation arose between age and condyle FD values among controls (r = -0.38, p = .02).

CONCLUSION

Fractal dimension values evaluating trabeculation of the mandibular bone are affected by SB in the angulus and condyle regions.

Association between the severity of possible sleep bruxism and possible awake bruxism and attrition tooth wear facets in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between the severity of possible sleep bruxism (PSB) and possible awake bruxism (PAB) and attrition tooth wear facets (ATWF) in children/adolescents.

METHODS

Four hundred-thirty-four children/adolescents enrolled in schools in Lavras, Brazil, participated in this cross-sectional study. Caregivers answered a questionnaire about their childrens' PSB. Children/adolescents answered a questionnaire about the occurrence of PAB.

RESULTS

ATWF among individuals without PSB and PAB was lower than those with moderate/severe PSB (p = 0.038) and moderate/severe PAB (p = 0.003). ATWF in anterior teeth was lower among individuals without PSB compared to those with mild (p = 0.015) and moderate/severe PSB (p = 0.032). ATWF in posterior teeth was lower among individuals without PAB compared to those with mild (p = 0.046) and moderate/severe PAB (p = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

The number of attrition tooth wear facets is proportional to the severity of PSB and PAB.

Management of idiopathic sleep bruxism in children and adolescents: A systematic review of the literature

AIM

Primary sleep bruxism (SB) affects between 6 and 30% of children and adolescents. Its frequency increases with age, reaching a peak at 10-14 years of age, after which it drops until adulthood. The treatment of SB has not been extensively documented, resulting in a lack of reference points and legitimate concerns for dentists in their everyday practice. The aim of this literature review was to summarize the available evidence on the management of SB in children and adolescents and the efficacy of the different approaches.

METHOD

A systematic literature search was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines from January 2006 to December 2020 using the PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. All types of SB treatment were accepted. Eight studies were selected for their protocol quality, according to the PICOS tool.

RESULTS

Several treatment methods were assessed from the eight clinical studies selected, such as occlusal splint, palatal expansion, and pharmacological treatment. Assessment of the treatment methods was difficult because only eight studies were selected, and both the treatment methods and the study protocols used were different. The therapeutic strategies found in the literature were based on the general condition of the case. Treatment approaches were distinguished into treatments for isolated SB and those for SB associated with ventilatory disorders.

CONCLUSION

The current study shows the need to define diagnostic criteria adapted to SB in children in order to improve epidemiological surveys and subsequently clinical practice. To overcome the difficulties related to SB diagnostic criteria, a multidisciplinary approach, involving pediatricians, otorhinolaryngologists, and dental practitioners, is essential for a better management and follow-up of young patients. A case-by-case approach, taking into account the specificities of each young patient, seems the most appropriate management today.