Association of dental caries, family cohesion, and orofacial dysfunction in children aged 8 to 10 with possible sleep bruxism: pathway analysis

Abstract

Objective The aim of the present study was to explore the association of dental caries, family cohesion, and orofacial dysfunction in children 8–10 years of age with sleep bruxism. A school-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted involving 739 school children in a medium-sized city in Brazil.

Materials and methods The parents/guardians answered a socioeconomic questionnaire and the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Assessment Scale (FACES III). The children reported whether they had experienced bullying in the previous 30 days. The diagnosis of possible sleep bruxism (PSB) was based on the reports of parents/guardians. Four trained examiners (Kappa > 0.80) diagnosed cavitated carious lesions using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System and administered the Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening to investigate orofacial dysfunction. Data analysis involved structural equation modelling. The direct and indirect associations between the variables of the theoretical model were determined through the calculation of standardised coefficients and goodness-of-fit indices.

Result The cavitated lesions (path coefficient [PC]: −0.23; p < 0.01) and family cohesion (PC: 0.13; p < 0.01) exerted a direct influence on the prevalence of PSB. Family income exerted an indirect influence on PSB, exerting a direct influence on cavitated lesions (PC: 0.24; p < 0.01) and family cohesion (PC: 0.217; p < 0.01). Bullying and orofacial dysfunction were not significantly associated with PSB.

Conclusion In conclusion, cavitated carious lesions and low family cohesion exerted a direct influence on the occurrence of PSB. Family income had an indirect effect, whilst bullying and orofacial dysfunction had no influence on the outcome.