2200 G.A.R. Hwy
Swansea, MA 02777
508-233-3341
Does Your Child Grind Their Teeth at Night?
Many parents are surprised to hear their child grinding their teeth while sleeping. This condition, known as bruxism, is actually relatively common in children and often improves on its own. However, understanding why it occurs and when professional evaluation may be beneficial can help parents make informed decisions about their child's oral health.
What causes tooth grinding in children?
Parents are often concerned about the nocturnal grinding of teeth (bruxism). Often, the first indication is the noise created by the child grinding on their teeth during sleep. Or, you may notice wear (teeth getting shorter) to the dentition. When children get a growth spurt, especially when teething, they may grind. If there is an airway restriction, such as when they are congested from a recent sickness, or if there is chronic tonsil or adenoid enlargement, this can also cause grinding and is often seen in conjunction with snoring. Lastly, stress due to a new environment, divorce, changes in daily routine, etc. can subconsciously influence a child to grind their teeth.
What can I do about my child's tooth grinding?
The majority of cases of pediatric bruxism do not require any treatment. For children who are both grinding and snoring frequently, we generally recommend an evaluation with an ENT (ear nose throat doctor) to assess their airway. If excessive wear of the teeth (attrition) is present, then a mouth guard (night guard) may be indicated. The negatives to a mouth guard in younger years are poor compliance (the child may not keep it in overnight), and the appliance will lose its fit as baby teeth fall out and new teeth grow in. The positive is obviously preventing wear to the primary dentition. The good news is most children outgrow bruxism, and the baby teeth take the brunt of tooth wear. The grinding often decreases between the ages 6-9 and children tend to stop grinding between ages 9-12. If you suspect bruxism, mention it to us and we will happy to evaluate and discuss it further.
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