Impact of probable bruxism on the oral health-related quality of life among police officers and their relatives

Background: Bruxism is a global oral disorder that can negatively affect oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Nonetheless, there are few studies regarding police officers. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of probable bruxism on quality of life among police officers and their relatives. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 243 police officers, and their relatives aged 18–70 years who attended the dental service of a Peruvian National Police Hospital. They were evaluated through a questionnaire of probable bruxism, including a clinical oral examination. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire was also used to determine the impact of OHRQoL. Univariate and bivariate statistical analyses were performed. In addition, multivariate analysis was performed via the statistical program STATA version 18. Results: The mean OHIP-14 score was 13.4 ± 8.0, and 48.6% of the participants had probable bruxism. Statistically significant differences were found in questionnaire domains such as physical pain (p=0.001), psychological distress (p=0.012), social disability (p=0.002) and handicap (p=0.007). Multivariate analysis, adjusted for age in years, sex, type of insurance, level of education and degree of dental wear showed the mean OHIP-14 total score was 2.38 points higher in patients with probable bruxism (95% CI; 0.75, 4.71). Conclusions: Probable bruxism had a negative impact on the oral health-related quality of life of police officers and their relatives.