My Kid is Grinding their Teeth; is that okay?

Bruxism is common and usually resolves on it's own.

Bruxism—If you've never heard of it, that's okay! Bruxism is simply the medical term for teeth grinding or jaw clenching, and it affects a majority of children especially during sleep. Some parents say they can even hear their child grinding at night. While it can be alarming to hear, kids usually outgrow bruxism as they get older. However, if teeth grinding goes on for a while, it may be a cause for concern. Let’s discuss.

Why Do Children Grind Their Teeth?

The exact cause of teeth grinding isn’t clear, but experts believe it is a response to tooth discomfort, such as growing, erupting, or misaligned teeth. If the cause of tooth grinding is developmental, kids will usually stop once their adult teeth have grown in. If grinding is ongoing or doesn’t seem to be related to tooth discomfort, there might be a bigger reason under the surface. Stress and anxiety are other common causes of bruxism and can be the result of any number of factors; perhaps your child has a big test coming up or maybe your family has recently moved. Changes to routine can affect children more than you think and teeth grinding may be a sign of stress. Other causes of teeth grinding include reactions to medications, hyperactivity, being tongue tied, or medical conditions such as cerebral palsy.

Effects of Teeth Grinding

Sometimes, you may never even know your child is grinding their teeth because the issue resolves on its own. Other children may experience mild symptoms such as headaches or earaches that typically go away once tooth grinding stops. In ongoing cases, your child may experience more serious side effects, including damage to tooth enamel, chipped teeth, increased tooth temperature sensitivity, facial pain, or jaw issues.

Signs of Bruxism in Kids

As we’ve mentioned, teeth grinding is extremely common and generally not something you need to worry about. That said, it’s also not good for your child’s teeth and can cause unnecessary wear and tear over time. Not sure if your child is grinding her teeth? Here are some signs of bruxism to watch out for:

• Grinding noises while your child is sleeping

• Complaints of a sore jaw

• Changes in eating habits or discomfort with chewing

• Chipped teeth

• Behavioral changes

  
  

If you notice that bruxism Is not going away, it’s always best to consult your dentist.

How to Treat Teeth Grinding in Kids

Waiting out bruxism can be tricky! How long should it take for kids to stop grinding their teeth? When should you see a pediatric dentist? If you’ve been waiting for your child to stop grinding his teeth with no luck, a pediatric dentist can give you the guidance you and your child need.

In most cases, no treatment is required for bruxism but having a pediatric dentist keep an eye on things can give you peace of mind. If your child’s teeth grinding is causing facial or jaw pain or causing damage to the teeth, we may suggest a special mouth guard for your child to wear at night. This custom device will be made specifically for your child’s teeth and can help to quickly resolve teeth grinding.

If your child’s teeth grinding is caused by stress or anxiety, talk to your child about what’s upsetting them. Ask them what’s triggering their stress and then help them find positive coping strategies. Giving your child space to talk about their feelings can go a long way in relieving stress. 

Is your child grinding his or her teeth? Concerned that your child’s bruxism isn’t going away? Still have questions about teeth grinding in general? Or is your child experiencing headaches and facial pain in combination with their grinding? The doctors at Dentistry for Kids are here to help. Please give us a call and we can work with you to get the answers you seek.