Teeth grinding in children – symptoms and treatment of bruxism in children

Bruxism – what does it mean?

Bruxism, also known as tooth grinding, is a disorder involving uncontrolled clenching and grinding of teeth. Although it is more common in adults, it can also affect children. Bruxism can have a negative impact on a child’s oral health and overall quality of life.

Grinding (jawing) of teeth in a child – causes

The causes of bruxism in children are diverse and may include both physical and emotional factors. Some of the main causes are:

• Stress and anxiety: Children who experience stress, anxiety, or emotional strain may grind their teeth while sleeping or awake.
• Malocclusion: Teeth grinding may be caused by bite problems that require orthodontic correction.
• Teething: In young children, teeth grinding may be a reaction to the pain and discomfort of teething.
• Taking medications: Some medications, especially those used to treat ADHD, may cause bruxism as a side effect.

Teeth grinding in children – symptoms

Symptoms of bruxism in children can vary and include:

• Teeth grinding or whining: This is the most characteristic symptom of bruxism.
• Headache and facial pain: Children may complain of headaches, especially in the morning.
• Warps in the teeth: Grinding your teeth can lead to abrasion and warping of the teeth.
• Sore chewing muscles: Children may experience tension and soreness around the chewing muscles.

Teeth grinding in children – treatment

Treatment of bruxism in children depends on the cause and severity of the disorder. Here are some possible treatment options:

• Monitoring: If your child’s teeth grinding is minor and not causing serious problems, it may only be necessary for the condition to be monitored regularly by a dentist.
• Protective enamel: Your dentist may recommend that you wear protective enamel, especially while sleeping, to protect your teeth from damage.
• Behavioral therapy: Therapists can help your child deal with stress and emotions that may lead to teeth grinding.
• Bite correction: If bruxism is due to bite problems, orthodontic bite correction may be necessary.

Your suggestions

If you suspect that your child may suffer from bruxism, consult a dentist or orthodontic specialist. It is also worth paying attention to the possible causes of stress in your child and trying to minimize its impact. Regular oral hygiene and visits to the dentist are crucial to maintaining the health of your child’s teeth.

Recommended articles

Here are some recommended articles you may be interested in:

• How to take care of children’s oral health?
• Teething in babies – what is worth knowing?
• Orthodontic bite correction – when is it needed?

Teeth grinding in children is a problem that requires the attention and care of parents and specialists. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help prevent more serious dental problems and improve the child’s quality of life.