Teeth Grinding in Kids: What to Do?

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common problem in kids that frequently occurs as they sleep. If you see your child grinding their teeth as they sleep, it is normal to be worried. Teeth clenching or grinding could be an unconscious reaction to worry and tension. Both adults and children may grind their teeth while they sleep and not even realize it.

Bruxism, grinding, or clenching teeth continuously can lead to jaw pain and eventual tooth damage. In this blog, we will examine the causes and dangers of bruxism in kids and discuss some preventive measures for this nighttime habit.

What Is Teeth Grinding?

As discussed, the habitual clenching or grinding of teeth is known as bruxism. It comes in two different forms: awake bruxism and sleep bruxism. In general, awake bruxism is more common and is characterized mostly by teeth clenching rather than grinding.

Research indicates that between 5.9% and 49.6% of kids suffer from bruxism at night. Bruxism can begin as soon as the teeth grow during infancy and is thought to be more common in children. Most individuals suffering from sleep bruxism can be unaware that they grind their teeth as they sleep. Your child or other people in the bedroom may have trouble sleeping due to the noises made when their teeth grind or clench. Your child or other people in the bedroom may have trouble sleeping due to the noises made when they grind or clench their teeth.

Possible Reasons for Teeth Grinding in Children

There are numerous causes of teeth grinding in both adults and kids. Although the primary cause is usually unknown because it occurs when the person is asleep, one or more of the following problems are frequently the triggers.

Signs and Symptoms of Teeth Grinding in Kids

It is important to prevent or drastically reduce teeth grinding in your child when you notice the following signs:

• Audible Grinding: You may hear a grinding noise when your child is asleep.
• Jaw Pain or Soreness: This is characterized by complaints of feeling pain in the jaws, especially in the morning, which could be a result of bruxism.
• Tooth Wear: The teeth can get worn down, chipped, or even seem flattened when they are frequently grinded.
• Headaches: Morning headaches, especially if they occur around the temples, may be due to your jaw clenching.
• Difficulty Sleeping: Grinding can be uncomfortable, which can lead to restlessness and disturbed sleep.

Long-Term Effects of Teeth Grinding

While occasional grinding may not cause lasting damage, chronic bruxism can have significant dental and physical consequences.

• Tooth Damage: Like any other activity, too much grinding can diminish the enamel and make the person develop sensitive teeth, cavities, and even broken teeth.
• Jaw Disorders: This constant pressure on the jaw may lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which may cause pain.
• Gum Recession: Bruxism can cause recession of gum tissues and therefore expose teeth roots to other infections and other related complications.
• Sleep Problems: Loss of sleep at night causes tiredness and sluggishness during working hours due to the grinding process.

How is Bruxism Treated?

The following are a few possibilities for treatment and management of bruxism:

Night Guards

A custom-fitted night guard will protect the child’s teeth during the night. These devices allow the upper and lower teeth to be in a separate position, and so they offer protection from wear.

Addressing Stress and Anxiety

Different feelings, such as stress and anxiety, are known triggers for teeth grinding, and therefore your child needs to be assisted to control such emotions. Encourage the sharing of feelings and emotions with others, and use easy and effective relaxing strategies such as inhaling and exhaling deeply in concentration.

Correcting Misaligned Teeth

If the issue is malocclusion, then the pediatric dentist may advise the patient to seek an orthodontist for correction of teeth alignment to stop grinding.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral treatment can assist youngsters who suffer from hyperactivity or other behavioral disorders in learning how to control their energy and stop grinding.

Treating Sleep Apnea

If teeth grinding is linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), then treating the underlying condition is crucial. Sometimes, your child may require an appointment with a sleep specialist, and they may be prescribed treatment, including CPAP therapy or surgery when needed.

Dietary Adjustments

Make sure that your child takes lots of vitamins and minerals, as this would help to improve the muscles and get rid of grinding.

Prevent Teeth Grinding in Kids

Nature plays an important role in preventing the occurrence of bruxism and the resulting symptoms in your child. Here are some prevention tips:

When to Consult a Doctor For Teeth Grinding

While occasional teeth grinding in kids may not be a cause for concern, certain signs indicate the need for professional consultation:

• Noisy or clenching and grinding through the night: This can be a sign of bruxism that needs attention.
• Toothache that lasts the whole day or constant pain around the jaw: Persistent pain may indicate underlying issues.
• The condition in which headaches are felt in the morning and are repeated over and over: This could be linked to jaw clenching.
• Difficulty opening or moving the jaw: This may suggest a more serious condition that requires evaluation.

If you see any of these signs, you should go and visit a pediatric dentist. This indicates that complications if not treated in the early stages may prolong.

While teeth grinding in kids can be alarming, long-term issues can be avoided with early detection and appropriate treatment. This grinding is most probably caused by stress, dental problems, or health complications; treating the cause is critical for your child’s oral health. Speak to a pediatric dentist to get advice on managing your child’s condition as well as techniques for improving their sleep. You may assist your child in stopping bruxism and maintaining a joyful, healthy grin by taking the appropriate steps.