Pediatric bruxism: A comprehensive review of clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and integrated management

Introduction: Pediatric bruxism presents a significant dual burden, compromising orofacial health and development while incurring considerable long-term economic costs for advanced restorative treatments and chronic pain management. Objective: To analyze the literature on bruxism on the following subtopics: prevalence and etiology; clinical manifestations and associations with other disorders; diagnosis; and, finally, management and treatment of bruxism. Methodology: PubMed, SCOPUS and Google Scholar databases were reviewed to find recent articles published on bruxism in children with the following keywords: dental attrition, mandibular pain, teeth grinding, awake bruxism, sleep bruxism, surface electromyography, dental splints, and dental wear. Results: Pediatric bruxism is characterized by tooth wear, jaw pain, and nocturnal sounds, with diagnosis primarily based on clinical assessment and supplemented by instrumental methods in specific cases. The most effective management strategy combines parental guidance, controlled splint therapy, and an interdisciplinary approach, promoting early detection and prevention of orofacial sequelae. Conclusion: Pediatric bruxism is a multifactorial condition that necessitates clinical diagnosis and comprehensive management. Early detection is crucial to prevent complications and preserve the child's oral and functional health.