What To Do When A Child Grinds Their Teeth

Bruxism or teeth grinding happens in both adults and children often without the person even knowing that they are doing it.  Bruxism occurs as a result of stress in adults and tends to occur while a child is sleeping.  While teeth grinding in children can happen at any age, it is often seen in children around the ages of five or six.

While there are no exact causes for teeth grinding in children, dentists have cited the following reasons that tend to lead to teeth grinding: an atypical growth of the milk teeth, a misalignment of the upper and lower teeth, stress from school and social interactions, anxiety over a certain situation, and hyperactivity.

Teeth grinding in children can harm the enamel of their teeth.  If the child is grinding their primary set of teeth, there should be little concern as these teeth will fall out and be replaced with permanent teeth that will line up properly hopefully terminating their teeth grinding ritual.  If the child continues to grind their permanent teeth, this may result in physical problems.  Children who grind their teeth ritualistically can face physical problems such as a sore face or jaw, headaches and earaches and damaged enamel.

Because teeth grinding is an unconscious effort, the child may not even know they are doing it until it is pointed out by someone.  Some signs of teeth grinding in children are a grinding sound while they are sleeping, complaints of a sore jaw, thumb sucking, chewing on their finger nails, writing utensils, toys, or the inside of their cheek.

Bruxism in children is a natural occurrence.  It is their way of dealing with the changes that come about with growth.  On the other hand, stress related bruxism should be addressed with the child by discussing what is going on in their lives and finding out if anything is stressing them.

While children tend to outgrown bruxism, there are treatments that a dentist can provide such as a night guard.  A night guard is fitted to the shape of the child’s teeth and is worn at bedtime.  Children may grind their teeth while trying to fall asleep as a way to calm them down.  As a parent you can help the child relax by giving them a warm bath, reading to them or playing soft music.

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