Bruxism in children: Etiological causes, correlation with intestinal parasitic infestations, diagnosis and treatment criteria

Bruxism is defined as a repetitive activity of the masticatory muscles, characterized by teeth clenching or gnashing and/or tapping and rocking. The etiology is multifactorial: mainly central (neuropathic disorder and anxiety) but also genetic and local (posture, mouth breathing). In children, bruxism is very frequent and is not always considered pathological. Several factors have been considered in the etiology of bruxism in children, among which infestations by intestinal parasites, suggested by some authors. It may be one of several symptoms of general pathology. Diagnosis is based mainly on the history and examination of tooth wear and its evolution over time (photos and dental casts). Severity criteria are based on the intensity (number of dental attrition facets) as well as on the context found in the child: anxiety, ventilation problems, and fragility of dental structures. Bruxism management is multidisciplinary and depends on the etiological diagnosis. The objective of this article is to highlight the correlation between bruxism and intestinal parasites and to identify the etiologies, the diagnostic criteria, and the therapeutic scheme of bruxism in children. Publications and research on this subject are few and not consensual. The therapeutic course of action is not clearly defined and the research concerning them remains experimental.