Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition in children that often goes unnoticed by parents. If left unchecked, it can lead to problems with tooth alignment, enamel wear, and jaw pain. Here’s what you need to know about bruxism in children and when to seek help.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding or clenching one’s teeth. It typically happens involuntarily, either while awake or during sleep. Up to 38% of children grind their teeth, with the condition usually appearing between ages 3-6.
What Causes Bruxism in Children?
There is no definitive cause of bruxism, but some potential factors include:
- Stress/anxiety
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Misaligned bite
- Teething
- Side effects of certain medications
Bruxism is also sometimes associated with developmental disorders like ADHD and autism. Genetics can play a role too, especially if parents also had bruxism as children.
Signs Your Child is Grinding Their Teeth
Wondering how to tell if your child is grinding? Here are some common symptoms:
- A dentist may spot excessive wear, chips, or cracks on the teeth. The enamel may appear flattened.
- You hear audible grinding noises while your child sleeps.
- Your child complains of jaw, face, or teeth pain and soreness upon waking.
- The jaw muscles often appear enlarged or tender to the touch.
- Teeth show imprints from adjacent teeth.
- Your child has a hard time chewing or opening their mouth fully.
Daytime vs. Nighttime Bruxism
Bruxism can occur either during the day or night. Daytime teeth grinding, also called awake bruxism, may result from feelings of stress, anxiety, frustration, or concentration. Nighttime/sleep bruxism tends to be more forceful and frequent. But because it happens during sleep, children are less aware of their nighttime tooth grinding.
Potential Effects of Unchecked Bruxism
While it’s common and usually harmless in kids, frequent bruxism can lead to problems like:
- Abnormal tooth wear and damage to the enamel, dentin, and pulp.
- Increased tooth sensitivity and decay due to loss of protective enamel.
- Discomfort, limited jaw movement, and TMJ disorders.
- Headaches and ear pain.
- Sleep disturbances for both the child and parents due to noise.
- Crooked teeth, trouble chewing, and jaw growth problems if grinding is severe.
Seeking dental treatment is important to prevent long-term dental health issues.
When to Visit Your Dentist
Take your child to the dentist if you notice symptoms of bruxism. Visit website to find a private dentist.
A dentist can check for signs of abnormal wear and recommend treatment options, especially if the grinding seems frequent or intense. Annual dental exams are a good time for the dentist to screen for bruxism. Early treatment can prevent many problems.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Treatments for bruxism depend on the suspected cause and severity:
- Behaviour modifications – If daytime stress or anxiety contribute, address these triggers through counselling or other care.
- Dental correction – Reshaping, crowns or fillings may be needed to repair damaged teeth.
- Mouthguards – Custom-fit nighttime mouthguards cushion teeth and absorb grinding forces.
- Medications – Muscle relaxants or sedatives may be prescribed in some cases to prevent grinding.
- Botox – Injections of botulinum toxin to the chewing muscles can temporarily limit grinding.
- Jaw exercises – Physical therapy can strengthen jaw and facial muscles to reduce strain.
In many cases, bruxism will resolve on its own as primary teeth get replaced by permanent teeth. Simply monitoring its frequency is often the only “treatment” needed. But seek help if you notice dental problems or pain.
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