Why Is My Kid Grinding Their Teeth at Night?

Teeth grinding, also known as Bruxism, can occur both consciously and unconsciously. It can happen both in children and adults, and it's more common at night while the person is sleeping. 

Sometimes children grind their teeth as a response to an anxiety trigger. It is also important to know that teeth-grinding usually stops around the time a child loses their baby teeth and permanent teeth start to develop. 

Why Is Your Child Grinding Their Teeth?

A child can grind their teeth for various reasons. It can be a response to one or several of these factors:

  • Sore jaw 
  • Response to pain 
  • Bite problems 
  • Missing or crooked teeth
  • Misaligned teeth 
  • Emotional issues such as stress and anxiety 
  • Depression
  • Eating disorders 
  • Sleep disorder 
  • Hyperactivity 
  • Certain medication

Side Effects of Bruxism 

As it usually happens during sleep, the child might not be aware they are grinding their teeth. There are a few signs that can indicate bruxism, and help you monitor your child’s sleep. After you’ve confirmed your child grinds their teeth, the best you can do is to schedule an appointment with your child’s dentist and look for solutions. 

In time, bruxism can cause several oral health problems if it's left untreated. 

Side effects of teeth grinding include:

  • Loosening or loss of a tooth
  • Tension and headaches 
  • Facial and jaw pain 
  • Neck pain 
  • TMJs (Disorders that occur in the temporomandibular joints)
  • Worn tooth enamel 
  • Sleep disruptions 

Treatments for Teeth Grinding 

Your child might grind their teeth from time to time, and it might not be a problem. But if this happens regularly and you are already starting to notice some side effects, it's better to get the necessary treatment and avoid any damage to your child’s oral health. 

  • Address the sources of stress and anxiety in your child 
  • Learn relaxation techniques 
  • Try massage and stretches to relax the muscles 
  • Get orthodontic treatment if needed 
  • Get your child a night guard that protects their teeth 
  • Talk to your child’s dentist to find the best solution for their specific needs

Is Your Child Grinding Their Teeth? We Can Help!

Is your child a part of the Pediatric Dental World yet?

We have four board-certified pediatric dentists on our team and our office is modern and appealing to both parents and children. We have a compassionate and experienced team that knows how to work with children and help ease their fears. 

We focus on offering high-quality dentistry in a warm, caring, and child-friendly environment. We understand very well that each patient is unique and has specific needs, so we value that individuality and customize each experience for each child/parent.

Get in touch with us today. We are here to help you and your child. 

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