What is Childhood Bruxism?

Bruxism is known as the habitual grinding and clenching of the teeth and is very common in children. Nearly three in ten children are known to grind their teeth, and though it’s a treatable habit, it can cause damage if it’s not addressed. Bruxism erodes tooth enamel and can lead to behavioral problems, headaches, earaches, sore jaw, and TMJ issues. Since every child is unique, there are usually a combination of factors that cause bruxism. There are several theories as to why children grind their teeth, including:

• Misaligned teeth
• Psychologic stress
• Inner ear pressure
• Misaligned bite
• Hyperactivity

Symptoms of bruxism include a grinding sound at night, the rhythmic contraction of the jaw muscles, painful jaw muscles, or the occasional swelling of the jaw. Tooth grinding can begin as soon as a child’s first teeth erupt. It usually subsides between the ages of six and nine and should stop by the time your child is between nine and twelve years old. Fortunately many children grow out of this habit without intervention, but for those who require treatment a mouthguard may be helpful to prevent any loss of the tooth structure. Additionally, reducing stress, working to relax the jaw before bed, or correcting an improper bite can help to reduce bruxism symptoms.

Oftentimes the grinding sounds worse than it actually is, but If you believe that your child has a problem with grinding their teeth, it’s best to notify us at your next appointment. Dr. Maggie and her team can check your child’s teeth for any wear and tear and also make sure that there are no problems with tooth fractures or nerve exposure. Together we can work to determine the possible causes and, if necessary, the proper course of treatment for your child. To schedule your child’s next appointment, give us a call today!