Background and Aim Sleep bruxism (SB) is a parafunctional oromotor habit that can pose a threat to the integrity of the masticatory system. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and orofacial dysfunction in children and adolescents with SB, taking on a case-control study design.

Methods Three hundred and sixteen subjects aged from 7 to 17 years were examined. From these, 52 presented SB (Case Group) according to parent’s report about teeth grinding or clenching at least three time a week and presence of dental wear facets according clinical examination. The Control Group was composed by 104 gender/age/dentition phase-matched subjects. The mean age was 10.86±2.32 years. TMD was evaluated according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) Axis I. For orofacial dysfunction diagnosis, it was used The Nordic Orofacial Test Screnning (NOT-s). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Shapiro-Wilks, unpaired t test, Mahn-Whitney, Qui-square and Fisher’s exact tests, when indicated, considering α=0.05.

Results The prevalence of SB was higher in boys (60%) than girls (P<0.05). The presence of TMD was similar in both groups (P>0.05). Subjects with SB presented NOT-S scores significant higher than subjects without SB (P=0.002), as well as girls in relation to boys in Case (P=0.010) and Control (P=0.019) groups for NOT-s interview. Habits, impairment in chewing, in swallowing and in masticatory muscles were determinant factors upon orofacial dysfunction.

Conclusions TMD was not implied in BS, but the orofacial dysfunction could be considered influencing factor in children and adolescents with SB.