If you hear grating, scraping sounds from your child's room while they're sleeping, take a moment to tune in. It's possible that your child is grinding their teeth.
Teeth grinding is common in toddlers and preschoolers, but it can begin before your child's first birthday. Though most kids outgrow it, some continue grinding into their teen and adult years. Since long-term grinding can damage permanent teeth and cause serious pain, it's best to address it early.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for clenching or grinding the teeth. Kids tend to grind their teeth during sleep, which could include naptime for little ones. Like many adults, children may not even know it's happening.
Signs your child might be grinding their teeth
Signs of bruxism start with those strange nighttime sounds, which might be loud enough to disturb others. You might also notice chipped or worn teeth, or your child might complain of face, ear or jaw pain the next day.
What causes tooth grinding in kids?
Research hasn't pinned down the exact cause of bruxism in kids, but many dentists and pediatricians see
stress as a contributing factor. Kids who worry about school, family, friendships and other issues often grind or clench their teeth.
Other possible causes of bruxism in children include:
Teeth that don't line up properly
Irritation inside the mouth
Pain from teething or earache
Allergies that affect breathing during sleep
Sleep disorders
Health conditions such as autism or cerebral palsy
Stimulant or antipsychotic medications, including ADHD meds
Research also shows that
secondhand smoke can trigger bruxism, making this an issue for families who smoke tobacco or cannabis.
When should I worry about teeth grinding?
In most cases, bruxism disappears by age 6. But consider talking with your child's dentist and doctor if you notice:
Your toddler or preschooler grinds loudly while asleep and suffers from consistent face, ear or jaw pain.
If your child grinds loudly while asleep and doesn't seem to get enough rest at night, a
sleep study may be the next best step.
An older child has chipped, cracked or worn teeth—signs that permanent teeth need protection.
Watch for jaw soreness in older kids too, since bruxism that continues into the teen or adult years can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and muscle disorders .
What can help kids with bruxism?
A healthy bedtime routine. A warm shower or bath, soothing music, deep breathing or a favorite book may help your child fall asleep feeling more relaxed. Teens may want to devise their
own stress relief routines with your support.
Turning screens off at least 1 hour before bed is helpful for all ages.
A discussion with your child's health care team. Since tooth grinding might be a side effect of other health concerns, talk with your pediatrician and dentist. For example, changing your child's medication schedule could reduce the risks of nighttime grinding.
For older kids, a night guard. When dentists or orthodontists see worrisome tooth damage, they often recommend a mouth guard to keep teeth apart during sleep. Though you'll find many over-the-counter guards on the market, a custom guard made from a mold of your child's teeth will be more comfortable and effective.
Remember
Bruxism usually goes away on its own, but many kids need help breaking the cycle.
By itself, bruxism is not a sign of serious mental health issues, but many health experts say stress can cause nighttime grinding.
Your child's dentist and doctor can help you find ways to protect your child's teeth for lifelong oral and jaw health.
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