The Child is Grinding Their Teeth: Causes, Symptom

Teeth grinding, also referred to as bruxism, is a quite widespread issue in the children population, especially during their sleep. It can really be disturbing for a parent when they hear the grinding sound that a child produces or further observe some symptoms like jaw pain or teeth worn down. But if it’s from time to time, a child might be grinding teeth just due to a habit and it’s not a big concern yet.

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Nevertheless, constant teeth grinding brings that child to the point of preventing such from happening to the teeth of certain dental issues. This is why parents are advised not to overlook the issues, but rather to take quick action to avoid any permanent damage from happening. 

What Causes Teeth Grinding in Children?

There are a number of different explanations for why kids grind their teeth, and quite often it is a mix of different reasons. A very common reason is the child’s stress, or anxiety. Kids, who, like adults, undergo stress such as school or family changes, and other transitions, might tend to exhibit stress through teeth grinding during sleep.

During the favorite pastime of the young, i.e. tooth eruption (teething), it may also be the cause of teeth grinding, in particular, if the child is very young. The children also show that teeth with irregularities or bites that are not aligned also can be the cause of teeth grinding. When the teeth are not in a straight line, grinding is a method as far as the child’s brain is concerned.

This problem though is related to sleep disorders, a kind of which is sleep apnea, and the other one is night terrors. The grinding is focused on the deep sleep episode, during which children make this unconscious act, generally.

Recognizing Teeth Grinding in Children With These Signs

Bruxism

It may not be a simple task for you to recognize that your child is grinding their teeth, especially if they are doing so at night while asleep. The good news is that there are certain symptoms that are the most common and they are the ones that you can pay attention to for possible treatment.

The Child is Grinding Their Teeth: Causes, Symptom

Among these symptoms are waking up with a complaint of unbearable jaw pain or tenderness, unrest sleep, and noticeable headaches. Probably you will also notice the grinding sound at night, which is one of the most obvious signs.

If you observe your child continuously grinding their teeth, then the first signs of this action will be flattened teeth, enamel cracks, and small ones at that. Having taken these as the early warning signs, your child will be more prone to have multiple dental problems if the grinding period remains prolonged. The problems that can occur are cavities, sensitive teeth, and increased sensitivity of the teeth.

What You Can Do to Help Your Child Stop Grinding Their Teeth

A visit to the dentist is the first best thing that you can do when you suspect that your child is grinding their teeth. By examining your child’s teeth, the dentist can detect if clenching or grinding is taking place and the best directions to follow. They can, in fewer cases, still suggest the use of a night guard so the teeth will be secured from further damage.

Further dental treatments are what one can do in the house to help decrease the grinding. One of the surest ways to relieve stress and stop the grinding of the teeth is stress reduction. Some stress relief activities your child can consider are reading or listening to relaxing music.

Apart from that, a peaceful pre-bedtime regimen can lessen uneasiness and remove stress. If a misaligned bite is the source of the grinding, your dentist will first propose orthodontic treatment, passing through the use of braces to correct alignment and then reduce the tendency to grind.

Is It Time to Consult a Specialist?

child teeth grinding

If your child’s grinding continues after efforts have been made at home or you observe plenty of types of damage on their teeth, then you need to ask for the advice of a children’s sleep specialist or a dentist.

Sometimes grinding may be related to a more serious sleep disorder like sleep apnea and this needs to be treated differently. Beginning of treatment as soon as you notice teeth grinding signs can prevent your child from developing a serious dental problem. Healthy teeth and gums are all that your child will be left with.

FAQs About Teeth Grinding in Children

Why does my child grind their teeth at night?

Teeth grinding often happens at night and is usually caused by stress, misalignment of teeth, or discomfort from teething. It can also be linked to sleep disorders.

Can teeth grinding damage my child’s teeth?

Yes. Over time, grinding can wear down the enamel, leading to sensitive teeth, cavities, or even cracks. It’s important to take steps to address it early.

How can I stop my child from grinding their teeth?

A visit to the dentist is the first step. They may recommend a night guard or other dental treatments. Reducing stress and establishing a calming bedtime routine can also help.

Is it normal for children to grind their teeth?

Yes, it’s relatively common, especially in younger children who are teething. However, if it persists, it should be addressed to prevent future dental damage.

Can teeth grinding in children be caused by a medical condition?

Yes, in some cases, teeth grinding can be related to underlying medical conditions like sleep apnea, ADHD, or certain neurological disorders. If the grinding persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to consult a specialist to rule out any medical causes.

Dt. Polen Akkılıç

Dentist and Lema Dental Clinic founder Nisa Polen Akkılıç shares valuable information on dental health and care, providing readers with practical tips they can apply in their daily lives. Additionally, her articles aim to convey innovations and current developments in the field of dentistry, making it easier to follow industry advancements.

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