Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is as common in children as it is in adults. It’s usually caused by stress, anxiety, or hyperactivity. When unaddressed, it can, unfortunately, lead to numerous dental problems, so parents need to understand what the condition is and how to work with their family dentistry team to treat it. 

A Parent’s Guide to Bruxism

Symptoms

Children with bruxism tend to clench their jaws and grind their teeth during the day while awake and at night while they sleep, but some only do one or the other. Parents should pay attention to their children at night when grinding can often be heard while they’re asleep—consider pulling their old baby monitor out of the closet to help. Other signs of bruxism include complaints of headaches, ear pain, sore teeth or gums, a painful jaw, or tooth sensitivity. 

Complications

If a child clenches or grinds vigorously, it can cause painful inflammation in the muscles surrounding the jaw and teeth. This usually manifests through ear pain or painful jaw muscles. In severe cases, it causes uneven wear and tear on the teeth, causing chips or cracks to develop. Some children also develop temporomandibular joint disorder—often referred to as TMJ—as they age. 

Treatment

Most children stop grinding their teeth once all their permanent teeth fully emerge or before the age of 13. Before that happens, though, treatment can prevent damaged teeth and muscles. For this reason, a family dentistry professional may administer botulism injections to relax a child’s facial muscles or measure them for a mouthpiece to prevent clenching and grinding at night. 

If you suspect your child has bruxism, the family dentistry team at Lowitz & Meier provides dental care for all ages. They specialize in every area of orthodontics and use state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat conditions such as bruxism. Their experienced staff understands children’s fear of visiting the dentist’s office and will help put your child at ease during their visit. Call their Cincinnati, OH, office at (513) 521-8900 to schedule an appointment or visit them online to learn more about their services.