Teeth grinding in children, also known as sleep bruxism, can leave many parents puzzled and concerned. Hearing grinding noises at night or noticing unusual wear on your child’s teeth might raise questions about their health. While teeth grinding can seem alarming, understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can ease your worries and help protect your child’s teeth.
In this blog, we’ll explore why children grind their teeth, the effects of this habit, and the steps you can take to manage or prevent it.
What Is Teeth Grinding in Children?
Teeth grinding, or bruxism occurs when a child clenches or grinds their upper and lower teeth together, often during sleep. This habit can affect both baby teeth and permanent teeth, leading to tooth wear, jaw problems, and other complications if left untreated.
Research suggests that sleep bruxism in children is often a temporary phase. Most children outgrow this behaviour as their jaws change and develop. However, in some cases, it can persist, requiring further evaluation and a tailored treatment plan.
Recognising the Signs of Teeth Grinding in Children
Children grind their teeth for various reasons, but the signs are often subtle. Here’s what to look for:
- Grinding Noises: These are often heard at night, especially if you use a baby monitor.
- Jaw Pain or Sore Jaw: Complaints of discomfort around the jaw muscles or temporomandibular joint.
- Tooth Damage: Unusual wear, cracks, or chipping on baby teeth or permanent teeth.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity due to worn-down tooth enamel.
- Morning Pain: Your child may wake up with headaches or jaw pain.
- Trouble Sleeping: Grinding may disrupt their sleep and yours.
If your child complains of any of these symptoms or if you notice signs of tooth damage, consult a dentist for further evaluation.
What Causes Teeth Grinding in Children?
Bruxism in children can stem from various factors. Understanding these triggers can help in addressing the issue:
Sleep Disorders
Conditions like obstructive sleep apnoea or sleep-disordered breathing can lead to grinding as the child subconsciously attempts to open their airway during sleep. Enlarged tonsils or adenoids may also contribute.
Stress or Anxiety
Although many parents believe stress is a primary cause, grinding in children is often not anxiety-related. Still, emotional factors may occasionally play a role.
Misaligned Teeth
When upper and lower teeth don’t align properly, it can cause children to grind or clench their teeth.
Medical Conditions
Conditions like cerebral palsy or autism spectrum disorder are associated with a higher risk of developing bruxism.
Risk Factors and Medications
Certain commonly prescribed medications, particularly those for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), may contribute to bruxism in children.
The Impact of Teeth Grinding on Your Child’s Health
While teeth grinding in children may not always be harmful, it can have significant consequences if left unchecked:
- Tooth Wear and Enamel Loss: Grinding wears down tooth enamel, making teeth more prone to sensitivity and damage.
- Jaw Problems: Persistent grinding can strain the jaw muscles, leading to temporomandibular joint disorder.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Worn enamel can make teeth more sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Oral Rehabilitation Needs: Severe grinding may require dental treatments to restore tooth structure.
How to Reduce Teeth Grinding in Children
If your child is grinding their teeth, there are practical steps you can take to address the habit:
Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
Relaxation techniques such as a warm bath, soothing music, or gentle storytelling can help your child unwind before bed.
Check for Sleep Disorders
Conditions like enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or sleep-disordered breathing should be evaluated by a doctor. Polysomnography detected bruxism (a sleep study) can offer more insights.
Encourage Regular Dental Check-Ups
Your dentist can monitor for signs of tooth damage or unusual wear and suggest preventive measures like a mouth guard.
Dietary Adjustments
Avoid hard foods and encourage softer alternatives if grinding has already caused tooth sensitivity. Limit sugary snacks that may increase the risk of decay in damaged teeth.
Consider a Mouth Guard
A custom-fitted mouth guard can prevent further tooth wear and reduce jaw clenching during sleep.
Relax Jaw Muscles
Chewing gum or simple jaw exercises may ease tension in the jaw muscles.
Seek Professional Guidance
If bruxism persists, it’s essential to consult a dentist who can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause and the extent of the issue. The dentist may recommend a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific needs, which could include strategies to prevent further damage, relieve discomfort, and address any contributing factors such as misaligned teeth or sleep disorders. Early intervention can help protect your child’s teeth, alleviate jaw pain, and promote better overall oral health.
When Does Teeth Grinding Require Treatment?
- Persistent jaw pain or a sore jaw
- Significant tooth wear or damage
- Trouble sleeping or disrupted breathing patterns
- Signs of associated conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnoea
A dentist may recommend further evaluation to identify the root cause and design a tailored treatment plan.
Can Teeth Grinding Be Prevented?
Although it may not be possible to prevent all instances of bruxism, the following steps can reduce the likelihood of grinding:
- Early Intervention: Address potential risk factors like misaligned teeth or enlarged tonsils early on.
- Healthy Sleep Habits: Ensure your child has a consistent bedtime routine and an environment conducive to good sleep.
- Stress Management: Teach your child relaxation techniques to manage stress effectively.
- Dental Monitoring: Regular dental check-ups can help detect early signs of grinding and prevent long-term damage.
How Long Does Teeth Grinding Last in Children?
For many children, teeth grinding is a phase that diminishes with age. Baby teeth may wear out, but the habit often fades as adult teeth come in. However, for some, grinding may persist into adolescence and require ongoing management.
FAQs About Teeth Grinding in Children
- What is teeth grinding in children?
Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, occurs when children clench or grind their upper and lower teeth, typically during sleep. This habit can impact both baby teeth and permanent teeth.
- Is teeth grinding in children normal?
Yes, it’s common among children, especially during early development. Most children outgrow teeth grinding as their jaws change and permanent teeth replace baby teeth.
- What causes teeth grinding in children?
Common causes include sleep disorders (like obstructive sleep apnoea), misaligned teeth, medical conditions, stress, enlarged tonsils, or certain medications.
- Can teeth grinding damage my child’s teeth?
Yes, prolonged grinding can wear down tooth enamel, leading to sensitive teeth, tooth wear, or even cracks in the teeth.
- How can I tell if my child is grinding their teeth?
Look for signs like grinding noises at night, morning pain in the jaw, tooth sensitivity, or unusual wear on their teeth. Complaints of jaw pain or a sore jaw are also indicators.
- Does teeth grinding in children require treatment?
Not always. Most children stop grinding as they grow older. However, if it causes tooth damage, jaw pain, or sleep disruptions, consult a dentist for a treatment plan.
- Can teeth grinding be linked to sleep disorders?
Yes, conditions like obstructive sleep apnoea, sleep-disordered breathing, or enlarged tonsils/adenoids can contribute to grinding during sleep.
- What treatments are available for teeth grinding in children?
Treatment options include using a customised mouth guard, addressing underlying sleep issues, relaxing jaw muscles, and maintaining regular dental check-ups.
- How can I help prevent teeth grinding in my child?
Encourage good sleep hygiene, a calming bedtime routine, and regular dental visits. Address any issues like misaligned teeth or enlarged tonsils early.
- When should I consult a dentist about teeth grinding?
If your child’s teeth show signs of damage, they complain of jaw pain or trouble sleeping, or you hear persistent grinding noises at night, it’s time to consult a dentist for evaluation and advice.
Take Action: Protect Your Child’s Teeth
If your child complains of jaw pain, sensitive teeth, or trouble sleeping, or if you notice grinding noises at night, don’t wait to seek professional advice. Regular dental check-ups and a proactive approach can make all the difference.
Need help? Contact MyHM Dentist today at (02) 9158 6379 for further evaluation and personalised care for your child’s teeth.
References
WebMD. (n.d.). Mouth guards. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/mouth-guards
Medscape. (n.d.). Sleep-Disordered Breathing and CPAP. Retrieved from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/870192-overview?form=fpf
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Teeth grinding (bruxism). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10955-teeth-grinding-bruxism
