How to Stop Kids from Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

How to Stop Kids from Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Have you ever heard your 4-year-old clenching or grinding their teeth? You could also be wondering if bruxism is the cause of headaches your 5- or 7-year-old has been experiencing.

You're in the right place if you're interested in learning more about bruxism or teeth grinding. Everything you need to know about what causes teeth grinding and how to avoid it while you're sleeping is provided below:

What is bruxism?

The term "bruxism" refers to teeth-clenching or grinding that occurs unconsciously. This could happen at any time of day or night, even while you're sleeping.

3 out of 10 kids before the age of five are said to clench their teeth. As there may be a variety of factors at play, it can be challenging to determine the precise cause of bruxism in youngsters.

Potential causes of bruxism in children include:

• Pain, potentially due to an earache or teething

• Misalignment in the teeth and/or jaw bones

• Dehydration

• Caffeine consumption

• Stress due to changes in the environment or within the family 

• Medical conditions, like cerebral palsy

• Certain types of medications, specifically antipsychotics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

If my child grinds or clenches their teeth, should I be worried?

Children frequently quit this behaviour on their own when their teeth continue to erupt. We should make an effort to determine the source of teeth grinding to rule out stress as a factor and to make sure there is no underlying medical condition.

We strongly advise you to make an appointment with our knowledgeable staff if you are unsure of what is causing your child to grind their teeth on a regular basis. Many young children that we have observed regularly grind their jaws or clench their teeth. We can evaluate your child's grin and collaborate with you to pinpoint the issue.

Children who continue to grind their teeth as their permanent teeth erupt (around the age of 6 or 7) should be evaluated by our experts. When you bring your child in for their next check-up, if you notice that they are grinding their teeth, please let us know so we can assist you in finding the best remedy.

How to Prevent Your Child from Grinding Their Teeth

We have some advice for you if you're wondering how to stop naturally grinding your teeth as you sleep.

1. Assist your youngster with a teething toy.

If your child's behaviour is caused by teething (biting down to ease the sensation of teeth breaking through the gums), think about giving them a baby teething toy to bite down on or a damp towel as a homemade teething toy. Some of the strain might be relieved by biting down on something other than your teeth.

2. Make sure your child gets adequate water.

Clenching and grinding might result from dehydration or caffeine use. Help your youngster drink enough water each day by setting an example for them. Eliminating caffeine from your child's diet is a smart suggestion if they consume it.

3. Encourage your kids to use effective stress-reduction strategies.

Making a relaxing bedtime ritual a priority is important for kids who clench mainly at night. To reduce exposure to blue light, take into consideration enforcing a "no screens an hour before bedtime" rule. It is more difficult to fall asleep because blue light stimulates the brain and inhibits the generation of melatonin. Before bed, try reading to your child, practising yoga or deep breathing, or giving them a warm bath to help them unwind.

Still have questions about bruxism?

We at Saraswati are here to help. Do not hesitate to contact us and make an appointment if you have any concerns regarding the dental, oral, or dental habits of your child.

Our staff is led by a well-known pediatric dentist with more than 25 years of expertise treating kids and teenagers with kindness and knowledge.

Schedule your upcoming appointment or initial visit right away!