Prevalence Of Bruxism And Its Association With Stress And Screen Time In Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Bruxism, characterized by involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, represents a significant oral health concern among adolescents. Contemporary lifestyle factors, including increased psychological stress and excessive screen exposure, may contribute to the rising prevalence of this parafunctional habit in younger populations. Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of bruxism among adolescents and investigate its association with perceived stress levels and daily screen time. Methods: A total of 486 adolescents aged 12–18 years were recruited from six secondary schools. Bruxism was assessed using clinical examination criteria and self-reported questionnaires. Stress levels were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), while screen time was evaluated through a validated media use questionnaire. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: The overall prevalence of bruxism was 28.4% (n=138). Adolescents with bruxism demonstrated significantly higher PSS-10 scores (22.7 ± 5.3) compared to non-bruxers (16.4 ± 4.8; p<0.001). Mean daily screen time was significantly greater in the bruxism group (6.8 ± 2.1 hours) versus non-bruxers (4.9 ± 1.9 hours; p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that high stress levels (OR=3.42; 95% CI: 2.18–5.36; p<0.001) and excessive screen time >5 hours/day (OR=2.67; 95% CI: 1.74–4.09; p<0.001) were independent predictors of bruxism. Conclusion: Bruxism affects a substantial proportion of adolescents, with psychological stress and prolonged screen exposure serving as significant associated factors. Comprehensive preventive strategies addressing both mental health and digital habits are warranted.