Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common habit that adults and even children do, often without being aware it’s happening. Some people grind their teeth while sleeping or doing activities that require concentration. Whatever the reason, teeth grinding is a habit that can cause some serious oral health concerns, including weakened enamel and receding gums.

When children grind their teeth, there’s often an underlying issue, and it can be a dangerous habit if it goes unnoticed or continues for long. Keep reading to learn about teeth grinding in children, some signs they’re grinding, solutions, and how to prevent teeth grinding in children.

The Dangers of Teeth Grinding in Children

Teeth grinding is a dangerous habit that can have serious consequences, especially in children. Below are some dangers of teeth grinding in children:

Tooth Damage

Grinding teeth causes the enamel to wear down faster. Enamel is the hard outer layer of teeth that protects the other layers, like the dentin and pulp. Once enamel is weakened or worn away, it can’t be regenerated. Therefore, maintaining excellent oral health habits is crucial to the health of your teeth. Rubbing teeth back and forth breaks down the enamel, so if your child already has permanent teeth, it puts their teeth at risk of wearing down faster. Likewise, children with baby teeth might experience tooth pain and sensitivity before they lose the tooth.

Jaw Pain

When children grind their teeth, unnecessary strain is put on their temporomandibular (TMJ) joint. This joint connects the skull to the jaw, allowing for movement of the teeth and opening the mouth. Teeth grinding in children can cause jaw pain and other disorders, like clicking sounds when they open and close their mouths, difficulty opening and closing their mouths, and more.

Headaches

Does your child complain of frequent headaches? Bruxism causes headaches in children (and adults) because it puts constant pressure and strain on their jawbone and surrounding muscles, which causes painful headaches. In some cases, children may develop migraines that cause severe pain.

Restless Sleep

Teeth grinding in children can also cause restless sleep. The pressure from grinding teeth can wake children up with pain, disrupting their sleep cycle, making it difficult to fall back asleep. Grinding teeth at night can also cause snoring, causing children to wake up multiple times. Children should have 10-12 hours of sleep a night, and restless sleep can start to affect daily activities, like school. If your child is experiencing restless sleep due to bruxism, speak with their dentist to help them get a better night’s sleep.

Tooth Sensitivity

If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, you know how painful it can be to drink certain liquids or eat certain foods. Children can experience tooth sensitivity from teeth grinding, causing extreme pain when eating or drinking. Grinding of the teeth slowly wears down enamel, exposing the underlying dentin.

Gum Recession

Gum recession can be painful, causing inflammation, bleeding, and weakened ligaments and roots of the teeth. Teeth grinding in children can cause their gums to recede from the constant pressure of the teeth and surrounding gums, and can cause gum disease.

Signs Your Child is Grinding Their Teeth

Children aren’t always aware they are grinding their teeth, especially if they do it while they’re asleep. It can be difficult for parents to know if their children are grinding their teeth. Luckily, there are some signs to look for that can help you take action and develop a treatment plan with your dentist.

If your child is showing any of these signs, it might be time to speak to your dentist about bruxism:

  • Complaining of frequent headaches or migraines
  • Complaints of tooth sensitivity
  • Making grinding noises in their sleep
  • Pain in their jaw or face
  • Chipped teeth

Luckily, there are solutions and preventative measures to resolve your child’s bruxism.

Teeth Grinding Solutions & Prevention

If you’re unsure your child is grinding their teeth or is showing any of the above signs of bruxism, make an appointment with your family dentist. They can examine your child’s teeth to determine whether they are grinding or if some other oral health concern is causing discomfort. Follow these solutions and preventative measures to help your child:

Teeth Grinding Solutions

Speaking with your family dentist is the first step to stop your child from grinding their teeth. They can examine your child’s teeth and develop a treatment plan to resolve any issues from teeth grinding and help prevent them from continuing to grind their teeth.

Teeth Grinding Prevention

Maintaining a consistent sleep routine for your child can help alleviate bedtime stress or anxiety, ultimately preventing teeth grinding. Encourage a relaxing routine before bed with a warm bath or shower, creating a calming sleep environment, reading, limiting screens, caffeine, and video games. Encouraging good oral hygiene can also help prevent teeth grinding. Again, speaking with your dentist is the best first step you can take to prevent your child from grinding their teeth.

Schedule an Appointment with Rhoades Family Dentistry Today

Rhoades Family Dentistry provides dental care for the whole family, examining the current state of your teeth and gums, and offering advice about bruxism treatment and prevention. Dr. Hahn and Dr. Driscoll care about your entire family’s oral health and go above and beyond, offering exceptional dental care and treatments for patients of all ages.

Book an appointment today by scrolling up and clicking “BOOK AN APPOINTMENT” on the top left of your screen or by calling (913) 782-8900. We look forward to serving you by providing excellent dental care and giving your family healthy smiles!