Children Grinding Teeth

It is estimated that three out of ten children under five will experience nighttime bruxism. Bruxism is a term to describe grinding of the teeth. Children grinding teeth is quite common, and quite often resolves on its own. Some believe it happens because the top and bottom teeth are out of alignment. In other cases a child may grind their teeth in response to an ear infection or toothache. Stress at school or home can also cause jaw clenching and teeth grinding in children, so this should be minimized as much as possible.

The majority of the time, children will grow out of bruxism and no permanent difficulties will result. However in severe cases temporomandibular joint problems may result. TMJ problems are more common in adults with bruxism but can occasionally affect children. This usually happens when the grinding lasts for a chronic period of time. Symptoms may include morning headaches or pain in the jaw area. If you suspect bruxism or TMJ issues in your child, take them to the dentist. Your child should see the dentist twice a year for regular checkups, and more often if there are problems.

When adults suffer from bruxism, a night guard is often prescribed to treat the problem. However night guards are not usually recommended for kids. Not only are the guards difficult for children to comfortably wear, they may fit improperly as your child's mouth grows causing more discomfort. Not only that, but in some cases they can be hazardous if your child is too young. Your child's dentist should be consulted regarding the mouth guard issue, and in most cases he or she will say it is unnecessary. Of course every case is different and the dentist should be the one to make the decision.

The issue of children grinding teeth is one that should be taken care of by a dentist if it is bothersome. However if the child is not experiencing any discomfort you may be able to wait until their regular checkup and see how they are doing then. The dentist will X-ray and examine your child's mouth and if they notice evidence of troublesome grinding they will tell you its extent and what, if anything, should be done for your child.

 

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