Eight of 13 studies linked screens to bruxism in children, but the evidence is very weak

There is a signal, not proof

Whether children grind their teeth now that screens fill their day is a question researchers tried to settle with a systematic review of the literature. The team around Shqair published it in Brazilian Oral Research, with a protocol registered in advance in PROSPERO.

Five databases were searched on 25 September 2025. Studies were included that examine the association between bruxism and screen use in people aged zero to eighteen, regardless of device type, how bruxism was established and whether awake and sleep bruxism were distinguished. Two researchers independently searched, selected papers, extracted data and assessed risk of bias, and the certainty of the evidence was rated with GRADE.

Thirteen papers met the criteria, eleven cross-sectional and two cohort studies. Eight reported an association, five did not. Positive findings were more pronounced where longer daily screen time or indicators of problematic digital use were measured, and they appeared for both awake and sleep bruxism. The authors nonetheless write the conclusion cautiously: an association cannot be established from material of this kind, because the certainty of the evidence is very low.

Limitations

Almost all the material is cross-sectional, so cause and consequence are unknown. The synthesis was qualitative, without meta-analysis, and the ways of establishing bruxism differ from study to study. The authors call for longitudinal studies.

For the practice

• When a parent asks whether the tablet and the phone are to blame for the grinding, the honest answer is that the data do not yet allow that claim.
• Screen time is worth recording in the history of a child with bruxism, but as one possible factor, not as the explanation.
• A splint and monitoring of hard tissue wear remain decisions based on the clinical findings, regardless of screen habits.