😬Bruxism (Teeth Grinding or Clenching)
Understanding teeth grinding in children: causes, symptoms, and treatment options
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding the teeth or clenching the jaw. Many kids have it, but most outgrow it without lasting problems.
While bruxism can be concerning for parents, it's actually quite common in children and often resolves on its own. However, understanding the condition helps parents know when to seek professional help.
📊Types of Bruxism
🌙Sleep Bruxism
- • Occurs during sleep
- • More common in children
- • Often associated with sleep disorders
- • Child is usually unaware
- • May be related to stress or anxiety
☀️Awake Bruxism
- • Occurs during waking hours
- • Often related to concentration or stress
- • Child may be aware of the habit
- • Can be more easily controlled
- • May be associated with ADHD
🔍Signs and Symptoms
Audible Signs:
- •Grinding or scraping sounds during sleep
- •Clicking or popping jaw sounds
Physical Signs:
- •Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth
- •Increased tooth sensitivity
- •Jaw pain or stiffness
- •Headaches, especially in the morning
Behavioral Signs:
- •Complaints of jaw or face pain
- •Difficulty opening mouth wide
- •Sleep disturbances or restless sleep
🔍What Causes Bruxism?
Kids might grind their teeth for a few reasons, including:
Physical Causes:
- •Teeth that aren't aligned properly
- •Pain, such as from an earache or teething
- •Medical reasons, like hyperactivity, cerebral palsy, or some types of medicines
Stress-Related Causes:
- •Stress; for instance, from worry about a test or a change in routine
- •Even arguing with parents and siblings can cause enough stress to prompt teeth grinding or jaw clenching
- •Life changes and transitions
Bruxism by Age Group
👶Toddlers (2-4 years)
- • Very common during teething
- • Often resolves as teeth come in
- • May be related to ear infections
- • Usually doesn't require treatment
🧒School-Age (5-12 years)
- • Peak age for bruxism
- • Often stress-related
- • May need intervention if severe
- • Associated with school pressures
👦Teens (13+ years)
- • Often continues from childhood
- • May be related to anxiety
- • Can affect permanent teeth
- • May require treatment
⚠️What Problems Can Happen?
Many times bruxism (BRUKS-iz-em) isn't noticed and doesn't cause problems. Often, it's more bothersome to other family members because of the grinding sound.
But sometimes it can cause:
Physical Problems:
- •Headaches
- •Worn down tooth enamel or chipped teeth
- •Sensitive teeth
- •Face, ear, or jaw pain
Other Concerns:
- •Disrupted sleep for family members
- •Increased stress and anxiety
- •Potential long-term dental damage
- •TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems
🔍How Is Bruxism Diagnosed?
Many kids who grind their teeth don't know they do. Often, siblings or parents are the ones who notice the problem.
Some signs to watch for:
- •Grinding noises when your child is sleeping
- •Complaints of a sore jaw or face after waking up in the morning
- •Pain with chewing
Dental examination:
If you think your child grinds their teeth, visit the dentist, who will:
- •Check the teeth for chipped enamel and unusual wear and tear
- •Spray air and water on them to check for sensitivity
- •Ask questions to look for what's causing the grinding
🛠️How Is Bruxism Treated?
If teeth-grinding and clenching make a child's face and jaw sore or damage the teeth, dentists may prescribe a special night guard. Molded to a child's teeth, the night guard is similar to the mouthpieces athletes wear to protect their teeth. A night guard can take some getting used to, but it usually helps quickly.
Professional Treatment:
- •Custom-fitted night guards to protect teeth
- •Orthodontic treatment for misaligned teeth
- •Addressing underlying medical conditions
Home Management:
- •Help kids relax before bedtime
- •Address stress and anxiety
- •Create calming bedtime routines
💜How Can Parents Help?
Whatever the cause of bruxism, help kids relax before bedtime — they might take a warm bath or shower, listen to a few minutes of soothing music, or read a book.
For bruxism from stress:
- •Ask about what's upsetting your child and find a way to help
- •For example, a kid who worries about being away from home for a first camping trip might need reassurance that mom or dad will be nearby if needed
- •If the issue is more complicated, such as moving to a new town, talk to your child about it and try to ease any fears
When to seek help:
- •If you're concerned, talk to your doctor
- •In rare cases, basic stress relievers aren't enough to stop bruxism
- •If your child can't sleep or acts differently than usual, work with your dentist or doctor to find the cause of the stress and make a plan to help
Most kids outgrow bruxism when they lose their baby teeth. In the meantime, routine dental visits can help find and treat bruxism.
💡Prevention Tips
For Parents:
- •Create a calm, stress-free bedtime environment
- •Encourage regular dental checkups
- •Help your child manage stress and anxiety
- •Ensure adequate sleep and rest
For Children:
- •Practice relaxation techniques
- •Avoid chewing gum or hard objects
- •Keep lips together and teeth apart when not eating
- •Stay hydrated and maintain good nutrition
❓Frequently Asked Questions About Bruxism
Is teeth grinding normal in children?
Yes, bruxism is quite common in children, especially during sleep. Many kids have it, but most outgrow it without lasting problems. It's often more noticeable to family members due to the grinding sound than it is problematic for the child.
When should I be concerned about my child's teeth grinding?
Be concerned if your child complains of jaw, face, or ear pain, has headaches (especially in the morning), or if you notice signs of tooth damage. Also seek help if the grinding is loud enough to disturb family members' sleep or if it persists beyond age 6-7.
Can stress cause teeth grinding in children?
Yes, stress is a common cause of bruxism in children. This can include worry about tests, changes in routine, or even arguing with parents and siblings. Even seemingly minor stressors can cause enough tension to prompt teeth grinding or jaw clenching.
Do night guards work for children?
Yes, custom-fitted night guards can be very effective for children with severe bruxism. They're similar to mouthpieces athletes wear and are molded to fit your child's teeth. While they may take some getting used to, they usually help quickly and protect teeth from damage.
Will my child outgrow teeth grinding?
Most children outgrow bruxism when they lose their baby teeth. However, some children may continue grinding into their teen years, especially if stress is a contributing factor. Regular dental checkups can help monitor the condition and determine if treatment is needed.
How can I help my child relax before bedtime?
Help your child establish a calming bedtime routine. This might include taking a warm bath or shower, listening to soothing music, reading a book, or doing gentle stretching. The goal is to reduce stress and tension that might contribute to teeth grinding.
Can misaligned teeth cause bruxism?
Yes, teeth that aren't aligned properly can contribute to bruxism. When teeth don't fit together correctly, it can cause the jaw to work harder to find a comfortable position, leading to grinding or clenching. Orthodontic treatment may help in these cases.
Should I wake my child if I hear them grinding their teeth?
No, don't wake your child for teeth grinding. This can disrupt their sleep and won't stop the grinding. Instead, focus on addressing the underlying causes during waking hours and consult with your dentist if the grinding is severe or causing problems.
Can medications cause teeth grinding in children?
Yes, some medications, particularly certain ADHD medications, can contribute to bruxism. If you notice teeth grinding starting after your child begins a new medication, discuss this with your doctor. They may be able to adjust the medication or suggest alternative treatments.
How often should my child see the dentist for bruxism?
Children with bruxism should have regular dental checkups every 6 months, or more frequently if recommended by your dentist. The dentist can monitor for signs of tooth damage, check for sensitivity, and determine if treatment is needed. Early intervention can prevent long-term dental problems.