Teeth Grinding In Children

What’s Behind Teeth Grinding In Children?

What is teeth grinding in children?

Teeth grinding in children (and adults) is also known as bruxism, which is something that can be common in kids under the age of 11. Some doctors do consider this to be normal behavior. Statistics show that roughly 2 to 3 out of every ten children have bruxism.

You may not know exactly what to tell the doctor when calling, and that’s okay. For quick reference, here are four excellent ways to effectively narrow it down:

1. Ask your child if they are upset or worried about anything. If possible, try to help them eliminate or limit stressors.
2. Try to monitor your child as they are sleeping or if they share a room, ask their sibling for any signs. If you suspect your child has sleep apnea, consult a pediatrician. They will make every effort to address all concerns.
3. Check your child’s teeth or casually mention it to their dentist/pediatrician. Teeth that are all the same length or have a flat appearance may be a sign of bruxism. Any Lincoln dentist, or children’s dentist, whether you’ve taken your child in to be checked specifically for bruxism or a routine check-up, should be able to easily spot any signs of bruxism.
4. Listen to what your child is saying. Ask if they have any jaw discomfort. If the discomfort is intense enough, they may mention it to you before you even ask them. Discomfort can be a very positive sign that they are grinding their teeth at night.

Should I try to figure out what to tell the pediatrician before I call? How do I know if this is exactly the noise I am hearing?

While there may be many contributing factors in addition to those mentioned above, you may be wondering what is the most effective way to help your child?

First, it is important to recognize potential issues and know that there is treatment available. But, you may wonder should you even bother fixing it or will they outgrow it? Can it be dangerous? The short answer is, yes. You should fix it because it can be dangerous.

While you may not think bruxism is dangerous, you should take this condition seriously. Bruxism can have lasting effects if not treated properly. Things your child may experience from grinding their teeth are:

1. Ruining the enamel of their teeth. Once that enamel is gone, there is no way to replace it. The softer part of the tooth (dentin) is then exposed, which can lend itself to a host of problems.
2. Inadequate rest. We all know rest is an essential part of a happy, healthy life for anyone. Bruxism can affect the quality of sleep, and in children, this could lead to problems at school, depression, and behavioral issues.
3. Your child may also experience discomfort. It’s hard to watch someone hurt, especially your child. Jaw discomfort, headaches, and earaches are all common forms of discomfort that can be experienced by children who grind their teeth.
4. Last but not least, your child could continue to suffer from unresolved medical issues. For example, children who are considered mouth breathers or those who suffer from adenotonsillar hypertrophy, a leading cause of obstructive sleep apnea, typically also suffer from bruxism. Sleep apnea should be taken seriously. It has negative impacts on many vital organs of the body (heart, lungs, etc.) Also, those with dental occlusion problems and psychological problems may be at higher risk.

Listed below are some commonly asked questions that might help guide you in the right direction regarding your child and teeth grinding:

• How do I stop my child from grinding their teeth at night? Your dentist in Lincoln, NE answers: There tends to be a series of things that should be controlled to help a child who grinds their teeth. Limit stress specifically right before bed, try a massage or stretching exercises that can help promote relaxation, encourage a healthy diet, and of course make sure you see a dentist regularly. See more information here about how you can help your child.
• Is teeth grinding a sign of autism? Your dentist in Lincoln, NE answers: While every child who grinds their teeth does not have autism, it most certainly is one of the behavior exhibited by children who do have autism. Children with autism tend to be heavy grinders. Routine oral care can be very difficult in children who have autism. See more information here regarding autism and teeth grinding.
• Is it normal for babies to grind their teeth? Your dentist in Lincoln, NE answers: Babies may grind their teeth for several reasons: the biggest reason being pain associated with teething. However, there may be other reasons, so be sure to check with a pediatrician, a Lincoln dentist, or a children’s dentist, and they can guide you in the right direction for treatment. 
• Why do toddlers grind their teeth during the day? Your dentist in Lincoln, NE answers: Teeth grinding is common when they sleep, but they may also be prone to doing it during the day. Just as an infant grinds their teeth in response to pain, a toddler may do the same. Perhaps it could be a result of certain medications, or medical conditions such as CP (cerebral palsy). Find out more about what might be behind their teeth grinding.

If you are unsure where to start, you can always ask your pediatrician. He or she can provide recommendations for dentists for teeth grinding in children in Lincoln, NE. He or she will guide you in the right direction. A children’s dentist or family dentist in Lincoln, NE can also give you his/her professional opinion. We all know that a growing body needs plenty of rest. Happy kids mean happy parents!

The information on this page was written by Dr. Ben Joekel.

This gentle Lincoln, NE dentists says: “My goal as your dentist is to listen to your concerns and needs when it comes to your dental health. Once your concerns are addressed, our goal as a team is to provide you with exceptional care that makes you feel comfortable.”

You can schedule with this Lincoln, NE dentist online 24/7 at his West Lincoln Location of Nebraska Family Dentistry. This Lincoln, NE dentist serves the local communities in Garland, Pleasant Dale, Denton, Crete, Milford, Hickman, Roca, Martell, and Panama.

• Lincoln Family Dentistry – Central Lincoln
• South Lincoln Family Dentistry – South Lincoln
• Northeast Lincoln Family Dentistry – Northeast Lincoln
• Preserve Family Dentistry – East Lincoln
• Coddington Dental – West Lincoln
• NorthStar Dental – North Lincoln
• SouthPointe Dental – Southwest Lincoln
• Emergency Dentist NE – Emergency Dental Care
• Lincoln Dental Plans – Affordable Dental Options

Nebraska Family Dentistry has Lincoln Dental clinics in all parts of Lincoln. Choose a “near me dentist” location that is convenient for you.