Why Do Children Grind Their Teeth?

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is not just common in adults. Kids can encounter a wide range of dental problems because they grind their teeth at night.

So, what is teeth grinding, and what causes children to grind their teeth? If you are concerned about your family’s dental health, schedule an assessment at MINT dentistry in Dallas and Houston, TX. We can prevent and treat issues like teeth grinding in children to keep your little ones smiling big for life.

What is teeth grinding?

So, what is teeth grinding? This dental condition occurs when you grind or clench your teeth together. This can happen unconsciously during the day or at night while you are asleep. Some doctors notice that children grind their teeth more frequently in response to stressful situations, such as moving and relocating to a new school. Even though kids can stop grinding their teeth over time, it is important to visit a pediatric dentist to determine whether intervention is needed.

Teeth grinding symptoms

Sometimes, bruxism can be difficult to pinpoint. However, there are a few well-known teeth grinding symptoms to watch out for:

• Grinding noises: Bruxism produces sounds like scraping, particularly at night when your surroundings are quieter.

• Sore jaw: Because teeth grinding places stress on the jaw muscles, your child may have some discomfort in this area.

• Pain when chewing: Grinding can make your jaw feel sensitive, causing pain or difficulty chewing.

• Unusual wear and tear: Constant grinding can damage your teeth. Severe cases may lead to worn down enamel or chipped teeth.

Teeth grinding could lead to other issues

As we mentioned, untreated bruxism can progress to serious problems. For example, teeth grinding in children could eventually evolve into a temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Jaw pain and broken teeth may also require extensive dental procedures down the line. Patients who schedule a yearly dental examination in Dallas or Houston, TX can catch the symptoms of teeth grinding before it becomes serious. MINT dentistry takes the time to work with young patients, so they feel as comfortable as possible.

How we treat teeth grinding

During a dental appointment, one of our experts will perform an assessment and ask questions about your child’s teeth grinding habits. If their teeth are misaligned, we may take steps to correct this through orthodontic treatment. If bruxism appears to be exacerbated by stress, we can recommend relaxation techniques and exercises to alleviate pain. In some cases, MINT dentistry can offer a specialized nighttime mouth guard for teeth grinding. Mouth guards prevent the tooth surfaces from scraping against each other and causing further damage.

Prevent teeth grinding in children

Teeth grinding symptoms are a serious dental health issue. MINT dentistry creates a positive environment for kids of all ages, so they look forward to their trip to the dentist. If you believe your child is grinding or clenching their teeth, it is time to visit a professional in Dallas or Houston, TX. Our team can offer solutions, such as a mouth guard for teeth grinding, to prevent complications such as TMD and wear and tear.