Low Birth Weight and Bruxism Among Brazilian Children: A Prospective Cohort Study

Le résumé fourni par la source

BACKGROUND: Bruxism in childhood is a multifactorial condition, involving socioeconomic status (SES), psychological conditions and lifestyle habits capable of acting, interacting or mediating the development of oral health outcomes. The link between perinatal factors, like low birth weight (LBW) and bruxism remains unclear. Identifying early risk factors may offer a key opportunity for intervention. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of LBW on bruxism in childhood, considering adjustment for SES and mediation by exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for 6 months, pacifier use and mental health problems. METHODS: This Brazilian prospective cohort included 673 live birth children followed up at 7-9 years old. LBW (< 2500 g) was obtained from the medical record after childbirth. Bruxism was reported by the children's parents/guardians as the habit (current or previous) of clenching or grinding teeth during the day or night. The analyses used structural equation modelling, estimating standardised coefficients (SC) (α = 5%). RESULTS: LBW showed a total (SC = 0.199; p = 0.045) and direct effect (SC = 0.207; p = 0.037) on childhood bruxism. EBF had a direct effect (SC = -0.190; p = 0.043) and an indirect effect on bruxism, mediated by pacifier use (SC = 0.082; p = 0.028). The construct showed all adequate (SC > 0.3) and significant (p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: LBW is a potential risk factor for bruxism in childhood, but this relationship is not explained by EBF, pacifier use or mental health problems. Shorter EBF duration and pacifier use are direct risk factors for bruxism in schoolchildren. Prevention should focus on prenatal care, promoting EBF for 6 months and avoiding pacifier use.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.