All you need to know about bruxism in children

 

Bruxism or teeth grinding is mostly experienced by adults. But this sleeping-related movement disorder is relatively common in children, too. Generally happening when a person is under stress or in a deep sleep, bruxism can become a severe dental concern when left untreated.

Image source: achildsbestsmile.com

Some kids may grind their teeth if these hurt, while others do so due to stress or anxiety. Misaligned teeth can cause dental concern, but it’s more likely that a child feels anxious about something. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can cause dull headaches, pain around the ear, and tension pains that start near the temples, explains Kami Hoss, DDS, MS. In other cases, kids may feel pain when chewing or when eating cold and sugary treats.

When teeth grinding is excessive, it causes wear and tear on the enamel, sometimes almost exposing the deeper layers of the teeth, increasing their sensitivity. It’s possible for kids not to outgrow the sleep disorder. Kids whose teeth grinding don’t stop may suffer from chipped or fractured teeth, while others may develop temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which causes increased pain in the jaw. Kids with TMD may find it harder to chew or open their mouth fully.

Image source: raisingchildren.net.au

If parents or guardians suspect their child has bruxism, it would be best to schedule a dental checkup, notes Kami Hoss, DDS, MS. A proper diagnosis will include the appropriate treatment for bruxism and its symptoms. Some kids and adults with bruxism may benefit more from stress and anxiety relief and management.

Kami Hoss, DDS, MS, holds a master’s in craniofacial biology and a doctorate in dental surgery. He also co-founded The Super Dentists with his business partner and wife, Dr. Nazli Keri. For more updates, head over to this blog.