What To Do if Your Child Grinds Their Teeth: A Guide on Bruxism

If you have a child who grinds their teeth, you may be wondering what to do about it. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common problem that can cause a lot of damage to teeth if left untreated. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes and symptoms of teeth grinding, and we will also provide some tips on how to deal with it. So if your child is grinding their teeth at night, keep reading!

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a condition in which a person grinds their teeth or clenches their jaw. It can happen during the day or at night, and it often occurs in children. Bruxism can be caused by stress, anxiety, or other medical conditions. It can also be a side effect of certain medications. Bruxism can affect children of all ages.

Causes of Bruxism in Children

Kids might grind their teeth for a few reasons, including: 

• Teeth that aren’t aligned properly
• Pain, such as from an earache or teething
• Stress; for instance, from worrying about a test or a change in routine. Even arguing with parents and siblings can cause enough stress to prompt teeth grinding or jaw clenching.
• Medical reasons, like hyperactivity, cerebral palsy, or some types of medicines

Symptoms

The most common symptom of bruxism is a grinding or clenching sound at night. This can be accompanied by: 

• Headache
• Jaw pain
• Earache
• Tooth sensitivity or pain
• Trouble sleeping. If your child has any of these symptoms, they should see a dentist.

What To Do if Your Child Grinds Their Teeth

If your child grinds their teeth at night, there are a few things you can do to help them. Nemours explain that, whatever the cause of bruxism, help kids relax before bedtime — they might take a warm bath or shower, listen to a few minutes of soothing music, or read a book.

For bruxism from stress, ask about what’s upsetting your child and find a way to help. For example, a kid who worries about being away from home for a first camping trip might need reassurance that mom or dad will be nearby if needed.

If the issue is more complicated, such as moving to a new town, talk to your child about it and try to ease any fears. If you’re concerned, talk to your doctor.

In rare cases, basic stress relievers aren’t enough to stop bruxism. If your child can’t sleep or acts differently than usual, work with your dentist or doctor to find the cause of the stress and make a plan to help.

Most kids outgrow bruxism when they lose their baby teeth. In the meantime, routine dental visits can help find and treat bruxism.

Treatments

The first step in getting treatment for your child is to take them to the dentist. The dentist will ask about your child’s symptoms and do a physical examination. They will also take X-rays to see if there is any damage to the teeth.

If the dentist thinks that your child’s bruxism is mild, they may suggest some changes in their diet or lifestyle. For example, they may recommend that your child avoid hard foods, chew gum, or use a mouthguard.

If the dentist thinks that your child’s bruxism is more severe, they may recommend a nightguard. A night guard is a custom-made mouthpiece that your child wears at night. It protects the teeth from grinding and clenching.

Bruxism in children resulting from stress can be treated by helping your child deal with anxiety appropriately. The good news is most kids eventually grow out of teeth grinding. Still, it doesn’t hurt to make that dentist appointment first to diagnose the problem, allowing you to treat it the best way you can.

Prevention

There are a few things you can do to help prevent bruxism in your child:

•  Encourage your child to eat healthy foods and avoid sugary drinks.
• Make sure your child is getting enough sleep.
• Encourage your child to do relaxation exercises before bedtime, such as reading or listening to calm music.
• Talk to your child’s dentist about any concerns you have.

If you think your child may be grinding their teeth, make an appointment with the dentist. The sooner you catch it, the easier it will be to treat.

Make an Appointment with Li’l Sunshine Smiles

If you’re concerned that your child may have bruxism, make an appointment with us at Li’l Sunshine Smiles. We will work with you to create a treatment plan that is best for your child. Call us today!