Bruxism in Children (Teeth Grinding or Clenching)
Teeth clenching and grinding, called bruxism, can cause excessive wear and damage to your teeth, potentially resulting in cracks. The excessive grinding of your teeth can also lead to noticeable facial and jaw muscle pain, often causing joint disorders or arthritic problems.
Bruxism is a common condition, with studies indicating that 85-90% of people grind their teeth to a certain degree. However, only 5% of people will develop severe bruxism, which may require medical attention.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the unconscious habit of grinding and clenching your teeth. The word comes from the Greek language, brygmós, translating to the gnashing of teeth. You can either experience it during the day (awake bruxism) or, more commonly, at night when you are sleeping (nocturnal bruxism).
Bruxism can wear down the tooth enamel, which is the outer layer that covers and protects the inner parts of your teeth. Aside from when you are chewing or swallowing, your teeth should never be clenching or grinding. Instead, your upper and lower teeth should be separated to help relax your jaw muscles. However, our busy lifestyles have made bruxism a common method in helping to deal with stress.
As bruxism is an unconscious habit, it can make it hard for people to recognize signs and symptoms until they experience noticeable facial pain.
Bruxism in Children
If you have a child, you have likely heard them at some point grinding their teeth during the night. This is because children grind their teeth more than adults. Bruxism is common among children because their teeth are often misaligned and therefore promote gnashing behaviors.
Bruxism is even more common if your child:
- Has any conditions related to emotional stress or anxiety
- Has ADHD
- Takes stimulant medications
However, there is no need to worry – children’s jaws and teeth are constantly changing, and as a result, it is common that kids will outgrow bruxism before serious tooth damage occurs. Only in severe cases will your child need medical intervention.
Children Grinding Their Teeth in Sleep – What to Do as a Parent
If you are concerned that your child’s bruxism is causing severe tooth wear, book an appointment with a dentist for an examination and discuss treatment options.
In the meantime, to minimize the intensity and frequency of their teeth grinding, you can:
- Ensure they brush their teeth regularly
- Avoid giving your child any drinks with caffeine
- Avoid screen time before bedtime
- Play soothing music or read a book before bedtime
These measures will help protect your child’s teeth and avoid overstimulation before bed which may cause sleep bruxism.
