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Bruxism (Teeth Grinding or Clenching)
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 children.
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.
What Causes Bruxism?
Though studies have been done, no one knows why bruxism happens. But in some cases, children 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 children who are hyperactive also experience bruxism.
What Are the 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 children who grind, however, do not have TMJ problems unless their grinding and clenching is chronic.
How Is Bruxism Diagnosed?
Lots of kids grind their teeth and 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
- complaining 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 your child's dentist, who
will examine your child's teeth for chipped enamel and unusual wear and tear, as well as spray air and water on the teeth to check for unusual sensitivity.
If the dentist detects damage, he or she 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 your child's dentist determine whether the grinding is caused by anatomical (misaligned teeth) or psychological (stress) factors. With that information, your child's dentist can come up with an effective treatment plan.
How Is Bruxism Treated?
Most kids outgrow bruxism, but a combination of parental observation and dental visits may help keep the problem in check.
In cases where the grinding and clenching make your child's face and jaw sore, or the teeth are being damaged, dentists may
prescribe a special night guard. Molded to your child's teeth, the night guard is similar to the protective mouthpieces worn by football players. Though the mouthpiece may take some getting used to, both you and your child will begin to see positive results soon.
What Can I Do to Help?
Whether the cause is physical or psychological, your child may be able to control the bruxism by relaxing before bedtime. Taking a warm bath or shower, listening to a few minutes of slow music, or reading a book can help calm your child.
For bruxism that's caused by stress, you'll need to find out what's upsetting your child and find a way to help them through it. For example, if kids are worried about being away from home for a first camping trip, they might need reassurance that their parents will be nearby if anything happens or that they will have a lot of fun with their friends.
If the issue is more complicated, such as moving to a new town, talk to your child about any concerns and try to ease any fears. If you have your own concerns about your child's emotional state, talk to your child's doctor.
In rare cases, however, these basic stress relievers aren't enough to stop bruxism. If your child is having 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 your child's stress and create a 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.
How Can Bruxism Be Prevented?
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 stresses in their life.
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