Epidemiology

Current epidemiological knowledge is mostly related to sleep bruxism (SB).[7]​ Data on the prevalence and natural course of awake bruxism (AB) is limited given that most data comes from retrospective self-reports at single observation points.[8][9]​​​ Such studies are subject to recall bias and lack information about the frequency of symptoms.

One systematic review examining the global prevalence of SB and AB in adult and paediatric populations reported a prevalence of 21% and 23%, respectively.[10]​ The prevalence of SB, based on polysomnography (PSG), was estimated to be 43%. Another systematic review which examined the prevalence of SB in children alone reported a range of 3.5% to 40.6%.[11]​ However, it is important to note that the interpretation and generalisation of prevalence data should be approached with caution given the poor methodological quality of available literature. Potential diagnostic shortcomings are present in most included studies as diagnoses may be based, exclusively, on patients’ or parents’ self-reported data.[8][11][12]​​​ In an epidemiological PSG study, the prevalence of SB, screened by questionnaires and confirmed by PSG, was 5.5%.[13]​ With PSG used exclusively as the criterion for diagnosis, the prevalence was 7.4% (without taking into account the presence or absence of self-reported SB complaints). With questionnaires alone, prevalence increased to 12.5%.

A positive association has been observed between SB and insomnia, higher degree of schooling, and a normal/overweight body mass index.[13]​ Bruxism may show a sex predilection and be more common among women.[10][14]​ Prevalence has been shown to decrease with age.[8]​

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer