Rainah Hanif 02/07/2012

Introduction
Bruxism is the medical for teeth grinding. This habit can occur during the day and night and it can be conscious or non-conscious. It is reported in about 20% of children up to the age of 11 years, although this is probably an underestimate as the condition is sometimes unnoticed by parents [2]. Among the associated risk factors, children with anxiety and sleep-disordered breathing have a higher number of risk factors for sleep bruxism, and this must raise concerns about future of these individuals [3]. The exact causes of bruxism are difficult to recognize but several factors may be anxiety, frustration, stress, and suppressed anger [3]. The most common clinical sign of such is abnormal wear of teeth which is caused by periodic clenching or condensation of teeth [1].Other side effects of bruxism are headaches, earaches, and soreness of the muscles from the muscle tensions produces during the multiple muscle contraction. Nevertheless, the prevalence of bruxism is difficult to estimate because, in most cases, there are no clinical symptoms. In those cases where there is some clinical manifestation, bruxism is initially suspected due to the presence of symptoms reported in case study by the patient or due of suspicious clinical signs. The significant consequences from teeth grinding during sleep that is the muscular discomfort on awakening, disturbing tooth grinding, or necessity of dental work. Its side effects make them keen to contribute in recall sessions; therefore, dentists and physicians will be able to recognize the contributing factors to eliminate them [3]. There are three main treatments for bruxism: Dental, pharmacological and psychobehavioral. The treatment includes learning to relax the jaw muscles at night. Since there seems to be a link between teeth grinding in sleep and stress, the treatment also includes stress reduction and practicing relaxation techniques before bed [2]. Most of the children's bruxism habit will disappear naturally as they grow up. Adults may be managed with stress reduction therapy, modification of sleep positioning, drug therapy, biofeedback training, physical therapy and dental evaluation. This in childhood may be a persistent trait. The occlusal trauma and tooth wear in childhood bruxism can be succeeded by increased anterior tooth wear 20 years later. While the problems are most likely gone, you can try some tips to help the child stop grinding their teeth in the meantime. Your dentist would be the best source of advice, and in a position to ensure that there are no problems regarding the alignment of the teeth of the child. The study of factors potentially associated with bruxism could contribute to a better understanding of the nature of this aspect and, hence, might be useful to prevent the cause of bruxism. According to research, children with bruxism have not been conducted in Pakistan effectively; thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of bruxism in children from public schools of Karachi, Pakistan and to furnish an approach to the main types of therapy used.

References:
Citation 1: Pohlhaus, S.R. (2010) Teeth grinding. Retrieved August 10, 2010, from http://www.stevedds.com/bruxism.htm

Citation 2: Iranian Journal of Pediatrics; Vol 20 (No 2) Bruxism; June 2010, from The Prevalence of Bruxism in Children Based on Parents Report

Citation 3: Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University. Medline Plus. Bruxism. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001413.htm , 2005