The association of childhood sleeping habits with the prevalence of malocclusion, traumatic dental injuries, sleep bruxism, temporomandibular disorders, and dental caries: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Sleep plays a vital role in children’s growth and overall well-being. However, sleep disorders are becoming increasingly common, affecting various aspects of their health, including their oral condition. While previous studies have explored general sleep disturbances, their connection to dental health still remains pretty unexplored. AIM: This study aims to evaluate the association of sleeping habits with presence of malocclusion, traumatic dental injuries, sleep bruxism, temporomandibular joint health, and dental caries in school children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 224 children aged 6 to 12 years, examined in the outpatient department. Parents / caregivers completed the validated. Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire to assess their children’s sleeping habits, while clinical evaluation of their children identified specific dental traits and conditions. Data collected, was then entered in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and then analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 application. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that children experiencing sleep disorders were more likely to present with overbite ( p = 0.012) and posterior crossbite ( p < 0.001). Additionally, sleep disturbances were significantly linked to TDIs ( p = 0.04), sleep bruxism ( p < 0.001), TMDs ( p = 0.05), and severe dental caries ( p < 0.001). However, molar relation, overjet, anterior crossbite, and anterior open bite did not show notable differences between children with / without sleep disorders. CONCLUSION: Sleep disorders are significantly associated with certain pediatric oral health conditions, reinforcing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration among pediatric dentists, orthodontists, and sleep specialists. Incorporating sleep assessments in routine dental check-ups may aid in early identification and management, improving long-term outcomes for affected children.