Teeth grinding, or bruxism in medical parlance, is a relatively common occurrence among children and adults. While the tendency is not scientifically linked to any single cause, several factors can contribute to grinding during the night. As soon as you catch a case of bruxism, consult with your primary health-care provider about the best response in your own child's case. By interrupting the problem early on, you can ward off a lifelong habit and avoid costly or irreparable dental damage.
Causes
The possible causes of teeth grinding vary widely, and the medical community has found no single cause for the condition. In many cases, young children simply pass through a phase of grinding their teeth and eventually grow out of it. The pain associated with teething can trigger toddlers to grind their teeth. Psychological or emotional causes may also be to blame; suppressed anger, frustration, anxiety, stress or tension can incite teeth grinding. If the teeth are not properly aligned, the tendency may be more pronounced. In addition, certain medications, such as antidepressants, can heighten the tendency to grind. A tendency to hyperactivity is also frequently linked with bruxism.
Symptoms
In most cases, your dentist is the one to identify bruxism. However, parents and children can also pick up on the tell-tale signs. The clearest evidence is regularly hearing a grinding noise while your child sleeps. Other indications include worn-down, chipped or flattened teeth or indentations on the tongue. If your child complains of pain or tightness in the jaw muscles, regular earaches, tooth sensitivity or pain around the face, consult with your dentist about the possibility of grinding at night.
Potential Consequences
If teeth grinding lingers beyond a brief childhood phase, it can lead to negative consequences to your child's teeth and facial musculature. The habit wears down the surface of the teeth, chipping or grinding off enamel. This increases the sensitivity of the teeth, making it uncomfortable to eat very cold or hot foods. In addition, the jaw muscles and various facial muscles can suffer from the tendency, with an increased predisposition to disorders such as temporomandibular joint disease, or TMJ.
Solutions
Before adopting any particular remedy to teeth grinding, consult with a medical professional, whether a dentist or psychologist, to determine the most probable cause of the condition and the most fitting treatment. In some cases, no treatment is necessary and the habit fades after weeks or months. In persistent situations, counseling may help relieve tension or other emotional and psychological causes. Lifestyle changes, such as calming nighttime routines, additional exercise or improved diet, may also relieve stress and promote restful sleep. From a physiological perspective, you can stop bruxism with mouth guards and other dental implements, though this may not solve the core problem if emotional factors are to blame. Children can also practice correct dental "posture," consulting with a dentist about the ideal way to hold their tongues in their mouths. Biofeedback therapy has also had positive results in reversing bruxism, according to the Mayo Clinic.
