Bruxism in Children – Manchester Dentistry
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is common in both children and adults. Nighttime grinding is particularly prevalent in children and can lead to a range of dental problems depending on the intensity, frequency, and underlying causes.
Request an AppointmentSymptoms of Bruxism
Parents may notice some of the following signs:
- Loud grinding or clicking sounds at night
- Frequent complaints of headaches
- Painful jaw muscles, especially in the morning
- Injured teeth or gums
- Rhythmic tightening or clenching of the jaw muscles
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods
How Bruxism Can Damage Teeth
Chronic grinding can cause:
- Excessive wear on teeth, especially in areas of jaw misalignment
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Facial pain, headaches, and ear pain
- Gum injury and increased tooth sensitivity
- Early onset of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) in severe cases
Causes of Bruxism
Bruxism may be caused by:
- Jaw misalignment or “bad bite”
- Stress or life changes (e.g., school transitions, exams)
- Developmental disorders or traumatic brain injury
- Certain medications (rare side effect)
Your pediatric dentist may recommend evaluating medications or underlying conditions if bruxism has a sudden onset.
Treatment of Bruxism
Most children stop grinding spontaneously by age 13. In the meantime, treatment depends on the underlying cause:
- Misaligned teeth: Corrective dental measures such as crowns or occlusal treatment.
- Stress-related grinding: Relaxation techniques, therapy, exercises, or muscle relaxants prescribed by a pediatrician.
- Protective appliances: Nighttime mouthguards, bite splints, or bite plates to prevent tooth damage. These function similarly to sports mouthguards and are highly effective.
Regular monitoring by your pediatric dentist is essential to prevent long-term dental issues caused by bruxism. If you have concerns about your child’s teeth grinding, please contact our office for guidance and treatment options.