Even though baby teeth fall out eventually, they hold a space in the mouth for adult teeth, so the care they receive has lifelong effects. That’s why parents should watch out for bruxism, the habit of clenching or grinding teeth together. Find out more about how this common dental care issue among children affects their oral health with these frequently asked questions.

What You Should Know About Your Child's Bruxism

Why is teeth grinding harmful?

As your child's teeth grind together, the enamel wears down to expose the softer inside tissue. Clenching the jaw can also lead to tooth cracks and chips. Grinding puts pressure on the gums and tooth roots as well, which can make them sore, inflamed, and more vulnerable to infection.

How can you tell if your child is grinding their teeth?

A child with a teeth grinding problem may experience pain while chewing. This isn’t always caused by bruxism, but it is a reason to visit a kids' dentist. Your child may also complain about face or jaw soreness when they wake, or you may even hear them grinding their teeth in their sleep.

Why does it happen?

Kids may grind their teeth because of stress when experiencing life changes or difficulties. It can also be a symptom of medical conditions that create muscle tension. Sometimes, they grind in response to pain and discomfort in their mouths when teething or dealing with a misaligned bite.

What can be done about teeth grinding?

If your child's teeth grinding is caused by stress, help them relax before bedtime; for example, read a story together and limit electronic usage at least half an hour beforehand. You can also have a dental care professional mold a special mouthguard for your child to wear while sleeping. In some cases, your child will simply outgrow the behavior.

If your child needs dental care for teeth grinding, choose Pedodontic Associates. They have three convenient locations on Oahu and Maui and over 25 years of experience helping children develop healthy smiles. Their exceptional dental care earned them the title of “Best Dentists in Hawaii 2011” by Honolulu Magazine. To schedule an appointment, call (808) 735-1733 for Honolulu, (808) 487-7933 for Aiea, or (808) 877-0066 for Kahului. You can also find new patient forms online.