Learning to Manage Your Dental Problems

Teeth Grinding In Children: What Parents Need To Know

30 August 2016 by Charlotte Beck

Teeth grinding is also known as bruxism. Clenching of the jaw also falls into the category of teeth grinding. If your children do it, you need to know about the risks, symptoms, and treatments. Here's all you need to know about teeth grinding in children.

It Is Completely Normal

It is a completely normal part of being a child. In fact two or three children out of 10 will suffer from it, and some will do it in their sleep. It is common in children who are stressed or anxious. Children with disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, tend to suffer from bruxism. Dentists and healthcare professionals don't fully understand why it happens.

It Causes Damage

Grinding the teeth causes the enamel to be worn away. You won't usually see it immediately, but you will see the damage over time. By wearing down the enamel, the teeth become weaker, and they are more susceptible to tooth decay. This can also lead to chipped teeth and more sensitivity as the roots are exposed.

It Can Lead to Earaches and Headaches

The grinding process can lead to more headaches or earaches on a daily basis. This is one of the main signs that your child grinds their teeth in the night.

Most of the time, there are no other signs, and the headaches may not even bother children. In fact, others around them are more likely to be annoyed by the constant sound of grinding. The sound soothes the child.

Your dentist will usually alert you that there is a problem. He/she can also help you find the best treatment for your child's bruxism.

It Can Be Treated and Prevented

The treatments will depend on what you want to stop: the damage caused or the grinding all together.

Mouth guards are the most highly recommended option by dentists to help stop the damage to the teeth. They are worn at night to protect the teeth when a child has no control over the grinding. Mouth guards don't stop the grinding completely, though.

You'll need to find out when and why bruxism happens. If it is due to stress, help your child find other ways to relax. You should also find out why your child feels stressed, and what you can do to help. If there is any damage caused by grinding, it will need to be fixed as soon as possible. This is especially the case for dental cavities.

Watch out and listen for your child grinding his/her teeth. It may seem like a minor annoyance at first, but it can lead to long-term damage. The good news is you can stop it. Contact a dentist at a location like Cobbe Dental & Orthodontics for more information.

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