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.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for the grinding of teeth or the
clenching of jaws, especially during deep
sleep
or while under stress. It comes from the Greek word
"brychein," which means to gnash the teeth. Three out of
every 10 kids will grind or clench, experts say, with the highest
incidence in children under 5.
Causes of Bruxism
Though studies have been done, no one knows why bruxism happens.
But 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, just as
they might rub a sore muscle. Most kids outgrow these fairly common
causes for grinding.
Stress
- usually nervous tension or anger - is another cause. For
instance, your child may be worrying about a test at school or
experiencing 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.
Some kids who are hyperactive also experience bruxism.
Effects of Bruxism
Generally, bruxism doesn't hurt a child's teeth. Many
cases go undetected with no adverse effects, though some may result
in mild morning
headaches
or earaches. Most often, however, the condition can be more
bothersome to you and others in your home because of the grinding
sound.
In some extreme 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)
. Most kids who grind, however, do not have TMJ problems unless
their grinding and clenching is chronic.
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 in the morning
-
thumb sucking
- fingernail biting
- gnawing on pencils and toys
- chewing the inside of the cheek
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.
If damage is detected, the dentist will ask your child a
few questions, such as:
- How do you feel before bed?
- Are you worried about anything at home or school?
- Are you angry with someone?
- What do you do before bed?
The exam will help the dentist determine whether the grinding is
caused by anatomical (misaligned teeth) or psychological (stress)
factors and come up with an effective treatment plan.
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.
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. Molded to a child's teeth, the night guard
is similar to the protective mouthpieces worn by football players.
Though a mouthpiece may take some getting used to, positive results
happen quickly.
Helping Kids With Bruxism
Whether the cause is physical or psychological, kids might be
able to control bruxism by relaxing before bedtime - for example,
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, try to find out
what's upsetting your child and find a way to help. For
example, a kid who is worried about being away from home for a
first camping trip might need reassurance that mom or dad will
be nearby if anything happens.
If the issue is more complicated, such as
moving
to a new town, discuss your child's concerns and try to ease
any fears. If you're concerned about your child's emotional
state, talk to your doctor.
In rare cases, basic stress relievers aren't enough to stop
bruxism. If your child has trouble sleeping or is acting
differently than usual, your child's dentist or doctor may
suggest a psychological assessment. This can help determine the
cause of the stress and an appropriate course of
treatment.
How Long Does Bruxism Last?
Childhood bruxism is usually outgrown by adolescence. Most kids
stop grinding when they lose their baby teeth because permanent
teeth are much more sensitive to pain. However, a few children do
continue to grind into adolescence. And if the bruxism is caused by
stress, it will continue until the stress is relieved.
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, however, by talking with kids regularly
about their feelings and helping them deal with stress.
Reviewed by:
Lisa A. Goss, RDH, BS, and Charlie J. Inga, DDS
Date reviewed: September 2007
Originally reviewed by:
Lisa A. Goss, RDH, BS, and Garrett B. Lyons, DDS
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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