Teeth Grinding In Kids
About Teeth Grinding
When parents check on their sleeping children, they want to see them resting comfortably in bed and hear their soft peaceful breathing as they dream. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. It is not uncommon for parents to hear the harsh sound of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, from their child, which not only bothers other family members, but also can be very harmful to the child.
The Effects of Teeth Grinding
Approximately three out of ten kids grind or clench their teeth. While some cases of bruxism go undetected with no ill effects, many times nighttime grinding and clenching can wear down tooth enamel, chip teeth, increase temperature sensitivity, and eventually lead to severe jaw problems, such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint disease). With time teeth grinding can cause various other dental complications, such as cracked teeth, receding gums, or a misaligned jaw.
The Causes of Teeth Grinding
Most kids who grind their teeth in their sleep are completely unaware of it, since bruxism often happens during deep sleep phases. One of the most common reasons is stress. However, sometimes it is a response to malocclusion, jaw growth, allergies, or other underlying health conditions or discomforts.
How To Detect Teeth Grinding
Kids typically outgrow teeth grinding by the time they reach their teenage years. However, because of the potential serious consequences that can occur, don’t wait! Teeth grinding is not something to take lightly.
The first step in helping your child is noticing the problem. Symptoms of teeth grinding can include:
- Grinding noises when your child is sleeping
- Pain or stiffness in the jaw
- Headaches, earaches, or facial pain
- Poor or disrupted sleep
- Pain when chewing
- Tooth sensitivity
- Chipped, worn-down, or loose teeth or fillings
Helping Kids With Teeth Grinding
Helping kids deal with their nervous tension or anger starts with developing healthy communication. When I see a kid who is dealing with bruxism, often I ask if he/she is angry at someone, nervous about an upcoming test, or worried about something at home or in school. Talking calmly to your kids about their problems can help reduce their stress levels.
Additionally, developing a calm and healthy bedtime routine can have tremendous benefits. Here are some great things to try:
- Turn off all electronics and reduce exposure to blue light at least two hours prior to bedtime (phones, tablets, TV, and fluorescent and LED lighting all emit blue light that can increase nervousness and stress response).
- Add a relaxing bath with a few drops of essential oils. Some essential oils with relaxing qualities include jasmine, lavender, and chamomile.
- Make a cup of herbal tea (such as chamomile or valerian) prior to bedtime
Treating Teeth Grinding
A combination of parental observation and a helpful dentist can keep bruxism in check until your kid outgrows it. I am Dr. Yury Slepak, and I am known as the best kids dentist in Brooklyn. In cases where the grinding and clenching make a child’s face and jaw sore or damage the teeth, I may prescribe a special night guard. I’ll also check for signs of worn-out teeth, damaged tooth enamel, etc. Together we’ll work to resolve the issue before it can become a real problem.
Call today to schedule your appointment: 718.998.2424. Our office is located at 2464 Coney Island Ave Brooklyn NY. I look forward to seeing you!