Why Do Kids Grind Their Teeth at Night & How To Treat It
Posted on July 30th, 2023 | Christopher Neal
If you hear your child grinding their teeth at night, it can be a very disconcerting sound. You might start to worry about the effect teeth grinding, or bruxism, can have on your child’s dental health. You might also ask, Why do kids grind their teeth to begin with?
Why Do Kids Grind Their Teeth While Sleeping?
Kids grind their teeth for the same reasons adults do, such as stress, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and dental health issues.
Other reasons kids may grind their teeth at night include:
- Depression
- Hyperactivity
- Pain
- General Health Conditions (e.g. an earache)
- Bite Misalignment
- Allergies
- Exposure to Secondhand Smoke
- Sleep Apnea and Other Sleep Disorders
- Migraines
- Stress/Anxiety (can be caused by sudden or dramatic changes in their life and environment)
- Snoring
- Night Terrors
- Certain Medications
- Untreated Dental Problems
No matter what has triggered your child’s teeth grinding, bruxism in kids can cause serious dental issues if not addressed. Continue reading to learn about the signs of teeth grinding in children and how to treat the source of the problem.
Signs Your Child Is Grinding Their Teeth at Night
Teeth grinding in children can lead to many complications. It’s important to watch out for signs that indicate your child is dealing with bruxism. Some of these include:
- Chipped or Damaged Teeth
- Grinding Noises While Sleeping
- Damaged Dental Restorations (such as cracked fillings)
- Worn Down Teeth/Enamel
- Headaches
- Jaw Pain/Sore Jaw Muscles
- Popping or Clicking Jaw
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Gum Recession
- Trouble Sleeping
- Development of TMJ
Many of the indicators listed above can impact your child’s oral health, smile development, and general well-being. It’s important to address teeth grinding as soon as possible to prevent these and other issues from occurring.
Treatment Options
If your child is experiencing symptoms of bruxism, there are several ways you can help. The first step is to determine the source of the problem.
For example, if you know your child is having trouble adjusting to a new hometown or school, stress could be the culprit. In which case, it’s important to reduce stress in your child‘s life wherever possible. You might also consider teaching them good coping mechanisms, such as encouraging them to talk about their feelings.
Other treatment options for teeth grinding include the following:
- Mouth-Guard/Night-Guard
- A Relaxing Bedtime Routine
- Consistent Bedtime
- Good Oral Hygiene
- Stress Relief
- Regular Dental Check-Ups to Prevent Dental Health Issues
- Cleaning Up Before Bed (such as taking a bath or shower)
- Reducing Caffeine Intake Before Bed
If you’re worried your child is grinding their teeth, contact us to schedule an exam and dental cleaning in Palos Heights, IL at Chicago KiDDS.
Contact Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry
If you think your child might be grinding their teeth at night, the professionals at Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry can help. We can diagnose the problem and provide helpful treatment options. If a dental condition is the cause, we will treat the issue and restore your child’s oral health.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our family-friendly dental office.
