Regular teeth grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism, can begin as soon as a child’s teeth appear. It occurs more frequently in children, adolescents and young adults than in middle-aged and older adults — and is particularly common in toddlers and preschoolers.
Why children grind their teeth
Teeth grinding usually takes place while sleeping, but children can also grind their teeth when awake. It can be associated with:
- Pain from teething or an ear infection
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- Misaligned teeth
- Stress or anxiety
- Medications for some conditions, including ADHD
- Nighttime breathing or sleep problems
- Medical conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and gastrointestinal reflux disease
How to tell if children are grinding their teeth
The most obvious sign of teeth grinding is a loud, grating, gnashing sound made while sleeping or awake. Children who grind or clench their teeth often wake up with a sore jaw or face, headaches and earaches. They may also experience pain while chewing.
Why teeth grinding can hurt children’s smiles
In addition to causing pain, teeth grinding can chip teeth, wear down protective tooth enamel, make teeth more sensitive to hot or cold, lead to tooth decay and damage fillings. If you suspect your child is grinding their teeth:
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Visit the dentist to see if your child’s teeth are being damaged by grinding or clenching. Your child's dentist may take a wait-and-see strategy, or he may recommend a custom night guard.
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Schedule an appointment with your child’s primary care medical provider if your dentist suspects a medical condition could be a contributing factor.
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Try to find the source of the problem if you think your child is experiencing stress or anxiety.
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Make bedtime as relaxing as possible. Create a peaceful environment by reading a book, listening to relaxing music, having quiet time or encouraging your child to take a warm bath or shower.
Many children outgrow teeth grinding around the time permanent teeth start to come in. However, if you feel your child is grinding their teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist to make sure it isn’t causing permanent damage.
