Bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching, is a common habit among children. Although it may not seem like a serious condition, it can have a lasting effect on your child’s oral health if left unchecked. This blog post will discuss the causes of teeth grinding in children and what parents can do to help their children stop this unhealthy habit.
What Causes Teeth Grinding in Kids?
Teeth grinding is often caused by stress or anxiety. Children under a lot of stress due to school, family life, or other factors may subconsciously grind their teeth to release tension. Other possible causes include sleep apnea and misaligned teeth.
How Can I Tell If My Kid Is Grinding Their Teeth?
The most obvious sign that your child is grinding their teeth is an increase in tooth sensitivity or soreness when they wake up in the morning. You may also notice that your child’s teeth appear flattened or that the tooth enamel is worn down. You may also hear grinding sounds coming from your child’s mouth when they are sleeping.
Treatment for Teeth Grinding in Kids
The first step to treating bruxism is to identify and address any underlying issues that could be causing it—such as stress or misaligned jaws—and to make sure that your child has healthy sleeping habits. Your dentist may also recommend wearing a mouthguard at night to protect the teeth from further damage caused by grinding during sleep. If bruxism persists despite these efforts, your dentist may suggest counseling or medication for more severe cases.
If stress is causing your child to grind their teeth, it is important to take steps to reduce their stress and anxiety.
Try the following techniques to help them relax when they are feeling stressed:
- Deep breathing
- Exercise
- Guided meditation
- Talking to a trusted adult or school counselor
- Listening to calming music
If your kid has a misaligned jaw, your dentist may recommend the following treatments:
- Braces or Invisalign
- Night guards
- Occlusal adjustment (jaw alignment)
Is Teeth Grinding Really a Big Deal?
Yes. Although teeth grinding in children may seem like a harmless habit, it can lead to long-term oral health problems such as:
- Tooth decay
- Jaw pain
- Chipped teeth
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
- Facial pain
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain
It is important to address your child’s tooth grinding as soon as possible to prevent further damage and help them break the habit for good.
Summary
Teeth grinding is generally caused by:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Misalignment of the jaw
- Sleep apnea
Treatments include:
- Reducing stress
- Learning techniques to help them relax
- Mouthguards
- Occlusal adjustment
- Braces or Invisalign
Kids Dentist Denver
Teeth grinding can have a detrimental effect on your kid’s oral health if left untreated, so parents need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of bruxism to take action as soon as possible if they suspect their child might be grinding their teeth. By identifying any underlying issues causing the bruxism and seeking professional treatment when necessary, parents can ensure that their kid’s oral health remains strong and healthy for years to come.
If you are searching for a kids dentist in Denver, contact the experts at Youth Dental & Vision. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care for children of all ages and offer a wide range of treatments, from general checkups and cleanings to orthodontics and restorative procedures. Our team is committed to ensuring your child has the best oral health possible.Contact us today to schedule an appointment! Call (720) 707-0229 or complete the online booking form. Visit us in Aurora, Denver, Thornton, and Hampden.