Teeth Grinding - NJ Family

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.

Though studies have been done, no one knows 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 an earache or teething. Kids might grind their teeth as a way to ease the pain. Many kids outgrow these fairly common causes for grinding.

Stress—usually nervous tension or anger—is another cause. A child might worry about a test at school or a change in routine (a new sibling or a new teacher). Even arguing with parents and siblings can cause enough stress to prompt teeth grinding or jaw clenching.

In some circumstances, 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).

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
pain with chewing

If you think your child is grinding, 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. If damage is detected, the dentist may ask your child a few questions, such as whether she is worried about anything at home or school and what she does before bed to determine if stress is a factor.

In cases where the grinding and clenching make a child’s face and jaw sore or damage the teeth, dentists may prescribe a special night guard. Though a mouthpiece may take some getting used to, positive results happen quickly.

Whether the cause is physical or psychological, kids might be able to control bruxism by relaxing before bedtime—by taking a warm bath or shower, listening to a few minutes of soothing music, or reading a book. For bruxism that’s caused by stress, ask about what’s upsetting your child and find a way to help.