Grinding

When you look in on your sleeping child, you want to hear the sounds of sweet dreams: easy breathing and perhaps an occasional sigh. But some parents hear the harsher sounds of gnashing and grinding teeth, called bruxism, which is common in kids.

About Bruxism 

Bruxism is the medical term for the grinding of teeth or the clenching of jaws. Many kids have it (2 to 3 out of every 10 will grind or clench, experts say), but most outgrow it. Bruxism often happens during deep sleep phases. 

 Causes of Bruxism 

Experts aren't always sure why bruxism happens. In some cases, kids may grind because the top and bottom teeth aren't aligned properly. Others do it as a response to pain, such as from an earache or teething. Kids might grind their teeth as a way to ease the pain, just as they might rub a sore muscle. Many kids outgrow these fairly common causes for grinding. Some kids who are hyperactive also have bruxism. And sometimes kids with other medical conditions (such as cerebral palsy) or who take certain medicines can develop bruxism. 

 Effects of Bruxism 

Many cases of bruxism go undetected with no ill effects, while others cause headaches or earaches. Usually, though, it's more bothersome to other family members because of the grinding sound. 

In some cases, nighttime grinding and clenching can wear down tooth enamel, chip teeth, increase temperature sensitivity, and cause severe facial pain and jaw problems, such as temporomandibular joint disease (TMJ). Most kids who grind, however, don't have TMJ problems unless their grinding and clenching happen a lot. 

 Diagnosing Bruxism 

Lots of kids who grind their teeth aren't even aware of it, so it's often siblings or parents who identify the problem. Some signs to watch for: 

·       grinding noises when your child is sleeping 

·       complaints of a sore jaw or face after waking up in the morning 

·       pain with chewing 

If you think your child is grinding his or her teeth, visit the dentist, who will examine the teeth for chipped enamel and unusual wear and tear, and spray air and water on the teeth to check for unusual sensitivity. 

 Treating Bruxism 

Most kids outgrow bruxism, but a combination of parental observation and dental visits can help keep the problem in check until they do. 

 How Long Does Bruxism Last? 

Most kids stop grinding when they lose their baby teeth. However, a few kids do continue to grind into adolescence. And if the bruxism is caused by stress, it will continue until the stress eases. Research shows that stress-related bruxism due to the pandemic has been on the rise and that patients are reporting problems with teeth related to an increase in grinding. 

 Preventing Bruxism 

Because some bruxism is a child's natural reaction to growth and development, most cases can't be prevented. Stress-induced bruxism can be avoided, though. Talk with kids regularly about their feelings and help them deal with stress. Taking kids for routine dental visits can help find and treat bruxism. Once all the adult teeth have erupted, your dentist may recommend a nightguard or further evaluation with a specialist to treat this problem.