Perception of parents or guardians of children regarding bruxism in the State of Amazonas

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of parents or guardians about bruxism in children who seek care at Pediatric Dentistry Clinics at the State Polyclinic of the State of Amazonas. Methods: Participation in the study was authorized through the Free and Informed Consent Form. This is a cross-sectional, population-based, observational, randomized, stratified, representative study of parents or guardians of children aged 3 to 12 years. Data were collected from 312 questionnaires. Results: The prevalence of possible sleep bruxism was found in 11.9% of the parents or guardians and 21.5% of the children. 58.7% said they did not know what bruxism is. Among those who reported knowing that it was only 36.9%, they correlated bruxism with the habit of grinding or clenching their teeth. 74.4% They could not say etiology. Only 8.3% sought help or treatment. Only 5.4% sought a dentist for treatment. 64.1% Have stated that bruxism can affect people's health. Yet 59.3% could not say what it can affect. 88.5% said they would like more information about bruxism. Conclusion: The number of people who are not aware of sleep bruxism and its etiology is significant. The apparent lack of awareness about bruxism leads them to underestimate the condition, and may lead families not to seek appropriate treatment, increasing the underdiagnosis of the condition.