Also known as chronic grinding or clenching of teeth, bruxism can have a severe effect on children’s dental care and development. Here is a guide to help parents identify the symptoms of bruxism and get the right help for their kids. 

What Causes Bruxism?

There is no single cause of bruxism in children. It can result from medical conditions, medication, or stress, which is an unfortunate reality for more and more kids these days.

Younger kids may grind their teeth as a response to the pain caused by teething, while older kids might do it because of dental misalignment.

What Are the Signs?

Despite the many different causes, the signs of bruxism are often quite similar. Many kids who grind their teeth at night complain of headaches or jaw pain when they’re awake. Pain and discomfort can be quite severe when the behavior goes on for a long time.

If you suspect your child has a problem with bruxism, a dental care professional can also look for signs of chipping and cracking on teeth. While tooth enamel is incredibly strong, it’s still prone to breakage after repeated contact. 

How Is It Treated?

Getting to the underlying cause is the first step to treating bruxism. If the condition results from dental misalignment, a dentist can use orthodontic treatment to bring the teeth into proper position.

They might also recommend customizable mouthguards to protect your child’s teeth at night and prevent jaw pain. 

If you believe your child has bruxism, contact Pedodontic Associates. They offers three convenient location that provide dental care services for kids and adolescents. Along with preventative care, they help kids correct dental issues like misalignment, cavities, and gum disease. Call (808) 735-1733 or (808) 487-7933 to schedule an appointment on Oahu, or schedule an exam at the Maui practice by calling (808) 877-0066. Visit the website to prepare for your child’s first appointment.