Impact of sleep bruxism on oral health-related quality of life in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize evidence on the impact of sleep bruxism on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science, without language restrictions. Observational studies evaluating the association between sleep bruxism and OHRQoL in children (aged 0-12 years) were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. Studies not eligible for meta-analysis were described narratively.

Results: Eight studies were included in the systematic review, and four in the meta-analysis, encompassing data from 968 children. Meta-analysis demonstrated that sleep bruxism was significantly associated with impaired OHRQoL (OR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.09-3.65), with greater impacts observed in the symptom (MD = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.17-0.69) and functional domains (MD = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.08-1.92). No significant association was observed for family-related outcomes (OR = 1.87; 95% CI: 0.60-5.82). Among studies not included in the meta-analysis, findings were inconsistent, highlighting methodological variability.

Conclusions: Sleep bruxism adversely affects children's OHRQoL, especially in domains related to symptoms and functional limitations. These findings highlight the need for early identification and individualized management to mitigate its impact. Longitudinal studies are warranted to elucidate causality and assess broader psychosocial outcomes.