Impact of malocclusion and oral habits on oral health-related quality of life and sleep disturbance in young adults

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of malocclusion and oral habits on oral health-related quality of life and sleep disturbance in young adults.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 213 young adults aged 18–30 years. Dental occlusion data were assessed through clinical examination. A questionnaire was used to collect data on oral habits. Outcomes were collected using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and Mini Sleep Questionnaire.

Anterior open bite (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02–5.67, p = 0.044), swallowing disorders (adjusted OR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.13–5.05, p = 0.022), and sleeping on hands were associated with a negative impact on oral health-related quality of life. Females (adjusted OR = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.10–6.17, p = 0.029), teeth grinding (adjusted OR = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.08–7.14, p = 0.034), biting lips or cheeks (adjusted OR = 4.28, 95% CI = 1.49–12.29, p = 0.007), and self-perception of need for orthodontic treatment (adjusted OR = 7.88, 95% CI = 2.12–29.30, p = 0.002) were associated as a risk for sleep disturbances.

The findings suggest that oral habits and some types of malocclusions can impact oral health-related quality of life. In addition, sleep disturbances were associated with a greater need for orthodontic treatment and a habit of grinding teeth in young adults.