As a parent, your child’s health and safety are a top priority. So, when they exhibit unusual behaviors—like nail biting or teeth grinding—it’s natural to become concerned. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a widespread problem among children. The dental care specialists at Pediatric Dental Group in Honolulu, HI, explain what it is and how it can be treated.

What Is Bruxism?

About 30% of children between 4 and 10 years old grind or clench their teeth. When a child grinds their teeth while awake, it’s usually a subconscious habit they’ve developed as a result of stress, anxiety, or deep concentration. In this case, encourage them to stop to prevent tooth damage or headaches.

Sleep bruxism, on the other hand, can be harder to control. Children can develop sleep bruxism as early as 1 year of age, and it is most common for kids under the age of 11. You may hear your child’s teeth grinding as they drift off to sleep. Other symptoms include jaw pain or headaches in the morning. Fortunately, most children grow out of bruxism before they lose all of their baby teeth, so the risk of damage is minimal. However, in older children, treatment may be necessary.

What Can Be Done?

Dental care professionals say teeth grinding is usually a result of stress, dental problems, or a combination of the two. If your child has sleep bruxism, first try to make bedtime more relaxing. Make sure they don’t eat or engage in physical activity for an hour before bedtime. Turn off all screens and encourage reading instead. The more relaxed they are at bedtime, the less likely they are to grind their teeth.

If the problem persists, consult with your pediatric dentist. Treatment will depend on the cause, which could range from a misaligned jaw to anxiety. In severe cases, a dental care professional may recommend a mouthguard to protect your child’s teeth from grinding while they sleep. Also, if your child’s teeth have already been chipped or damaged as a result of bruxism, the dentist will need to repair them to prevent further issues.

For more information on bruxism, contact the dental care team at Pediatric Dental Group. These friendly professionals provide personalized, comprehensive care for kids of all ages, including teeth cleaning, orthodontics, and routine dental exams. Call (808) 593-8828, or visit their website to schedule an appointment.