Teeth grinding in children is a common occurrence as it is among adults. This is also called bruxism in children. It happens frequently during their sleep. The unconscious habit of gnashing of teeth can wear down their milk teeth and may result to other serious dental issues if not treated or controlled.
If you are a parent, you will be worried when your child makes grinding sound. Some moms discover that teeth grinding in children is a usual behavior for babies during the teething stage or when they start to grow their milk teeth. Babies may be curious at the sound they produce with their new front teeth. But soon babies will outgrow their teeth grinding so there is nothing to be alarmed about.
Children who are also growing their milk or permanent teeth are affected by bruxism. About 15 to 33 percent of children with permanent teeth emerging will experience teeth grinding especially at night. From age 3 ½ to 6 years old, it is still normal for them to grind their teeth.
Causes and Effects of Teeth Grinding in Children
Bruxism in children is related to the development of the jaw and growth of teeth. When permanent teeth start to erupt one after the other, the teeth may not properly align or don’t fit together until all permanent dentition has come out. This is very uncomfortable for your child so he unconsciously grinds his teeth. When he reaches adolescence and has better set of aligned teeth, bruxism will stop.
Teeth grinding in children may be due to tension, anger and fear too. Your daughter or son may be having stress in school or with other kids. You must be watchful of your child’s non-verbal expression. If your daughter gets upset while working on her homework, it means she is having a hard time and needs help. Or your boy may get in trouble in school with other kids; there are cases of little boys being bullied by bigger classmates. Talking about your kid’s day-to-day activities will help you discover what’s happening with in school. However, many times, tension between you and your spouse can have an impact on your child. Your little one may not openly express this but his or her fear may be manifested through gnashing of teeth while sleeping.
Some studies also link bruxism in children with hyperactive behavior.
Teeth grinding in children can also be due to pain. Little children are gnashing teeth due to painful teething or other pains. Some children may have high tolerance for pain but it’s best to check what disturbs your child.
Bruxism in children can also be caused by sleep disorders. Interruptions in the rapid eye movement (REM) patterns and other sleeping problems such as bed-wetting, drooling and sleep-talking are linked to teeth grinding in children.
When your child habitually grinds even after adolescence and it’s causing the teeth to be damaged, it’s time to see the dentist. Your family dentist is the best person to advise you on how to help your child stop his teeth grinding.