Teeth Grinding in Children: Causes and Solutions
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition in children that involves unconsciously grinding or clenching the teeth. This habit can lead to a range of oral health issues if left untreated. As caring parents, it's important to understand what causes teeth grinding in kids and how to stop it. The experienced dentists at Great Lakes Dental in Mentor, Ohio have put together this guide to help parents address bruxism in their children's teeth grinding.
What Causes Teeth Grinding in Children?
There are several potential causes of bruxism in kids:
Stress and Anxiety
Like adults, kids deal with worry and anxiety in their daily lives. Stress from school, social situations, or even excitement can cause bruxism in kids. Children may clench their jaw muscles or grind their teeth without realizing it. Ensuring your child feels secure and has healthy outlets for stress can help.
Misaligned Bite
If your child's upper and lower teeth don't align properly, the pressure from chewing and biting can cause teeth grinding. Your dentist can check for bite alignment issues and may recommend options like night guards or orthodontic treatment if needed.
Sleep Disturbances
Anything that disrupts a child's sleep pattern, such as sleep apnea or reflux, can lead to bruxism. The unconscious grinding or clenching happens as the body tries to stimulate breathing. Treating any underlying sleep disorders could alleviate bruxism.
Medications
Certain medications, like anti-depressants and ADHD medications, sometimes list bruxism as a potential side effect. Check with your pediatrician if you suspect your child's grinding has worsened after beginning a new medication.
Genetics
Bruxism tends to run in families. A child with a parent who grinds their teeth is also more likely to develop the habit. Being aware of this genetic component allows you to address problems early.
When to Seek Help for Bruxism
Occasional teeth grinding during times of high excitement or stress is normal and not a major concern. However, chronic nightly grinding or clenching requires medical attention. Contact your dentist right away if your child's teeth grinding leads to:
- Chipped, cracked, or damaged teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Headaches or ear pain
- Jaw, face, neck, or shoulder pain
- Indentations on the tongue or cheek tissue
The dentist can assess your child's oral health, look for misalignments, and check for damage from bruxism. Early intervention leads to better treatment outcomes.
Long-Term Effects of Bruxism
Without treatment, chronic bruxism can cause severe damage to a child's oral health over time. Effects may include:
- Loss of tooth enamel, increased cavities
- Receding gums, gum disease
- Loose or lost fillings
- Worn-down teeth, shortening of tooth height
- Jaw joint pain, TMJ disorders
- Speech impediments
- Crooked bite, orthodontic issues
The grinding action slowly destroys tooth enamel and puts intense pressure on delicate mouth tissue. That's why it's critical to stop the cycle of bruxism before major complications develop.
Treatments to Stop Teeth Grinding
The good news is that there are several effective ways to break the teeth-grinding habit in children:
- Stress relief. Help your child find relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga stretches, meditation apps, or calming music at bedtime. A consistent pre-sleep routine is also beneficial.
- Dental night guard. Custom-fit night guards purchased from your dentist shield the teeth from grinding and prevent tooth damage. Your child may resist at first, but night guards are very effective if worn properly.
- Botox. In some cases, dentists inject small amounts of Botox into the chewing muscles to temporarily relax the muscles and reduce grinding for several months. This can provide relief while your child works on reducing stress.
- Behavior modification. Setting up a reward system for your child when they have a good night without grinding can provide an incentive. Gently reminding them during the day to unclench their jaws is also a good cue.
- Orthodontic treatment. If a bite misalignment is causing the grinding, braces or retainers may help adjust the bite into the proper position and reduce grinding.
- Medication adjustment. Talk to your pediatrician about switching medications or dosages if bruxism seems to be a side effect.
Have Hope – Bruxism Doesn’t Have to Last
The childhood habit of teeth grinding often goes away on its own as kids get older and learn to manage stress and anxiety in healthy ways. With diligent at-home care plus your dentist's treatments, you can help your child break the bruxism cycle and protect their oral health.
If you have any concerns about your child's teeth grinding or dental health, the caring professionals at Great Lakes Dental in Mentor, Ohio, are here to help! Call us today to schedule a pediatric dental exam, to learn more about managing pediatric bruxism, or to get TMD treatment with your dentist in Mentor, Ohio.