Does your child grind their teeth at night? You’re certainly not alone! WebMD reports that about 15-33% of children grind their teeth in their sleep. The clinical term for this condition is called bruxism, and left untreated, it can damage that precious smile. Teeth grinding for children with baby teeth rarely causes permanent damage, but it can still lead to plenty of painful symptoms! Fortunately, your Garland pediatric dentist knows all about bruxism in children, including how to help. Read on as we go over what you need to know about teeth grinding in kids and what you can do to stop it!
Why Do Kids Grind Their Teeth At Night?
To this day, experts still don’t know the exact cause for bruxism in children or adults. There seem to be numerous factors that can lead to it, and for children, there are certain times when they’re more likely to experience it. Researchers report that teeth grinding is most common in children when the baby teeth come in and then again once the permanent teeth erupt. Teeth grinding is a natural response to pain, so your child will be more likely to do so if they’re experiencing something like teething or an earache. Another very common cause for bruxism is stress or anxiety, particularly close to bedtime.
Top Ways to Put a Stop to Bruxism
Many children will grow out of bruxism that is caused by teething, and teeth grinding that is triggered by pain will naturally go away when the pain does. However, they may need more assistance if it’s due to anxiety instead. Try these tips to help reduce your child’s stress level before bed:
- Have a specific routine every day, including at bedtime. Structured, reliable schedules help children feel more secure.
- Ensure your child is eating plenty of nutritious foods and is drinking lots of water.
- Play soothing or relaxing music for them before or during bedtime.
- Teach them calming breathing techniques. Just one minute of proper breathing can reduce stress!
- Have your child read a book before bedtime or read to them while they go to sleep.
- Encourage your child to wrap the day up with a gratitude journal, which will help redirect their nighttime thoughts to more positive things.
- Be intentionally kind to them every evening. Don’t forget how big of an impact even the littlest action can have on their mindset!
When You Should Call Your Pediatric Dentist
The above tips should go a long way to help protect your child from bruxism. Unfortunately, they’re not always enough. You should contact your pediatric dentist right away if your child:
- Complains of jaw soreness or stiffness
- Often wakes up with headaches
- Experiencing dental sensitivity
- Has noticeable wear and tear on their teeth
- Does not change their grinding habits with the above solutions
Your dentist will be able to take a closer look at your child’s oral health and help determine the true cause of their bruxism. They may offer more personalized techniques for you to try at home, or they may recommend a custom nightguard to help protect their pearly whites while they sleep. Whatever the case, they will help your child sleep easy with a healthy smile.
About the Practice
At The Dental Specialists Pediatric Dentistry, we’re proud to have a team of two experienced pediatric dentists: Dr. Nelson Hui and Dr. Adam Preece. Thanks to their years of advanced training, they’re able to provide specialized treatments that are designed to meet the unique oral healthcare needs of kids. They can help diagnose bruxism in your child and will work with you to discover solutions for helping your little one stop grinding their teeth. To learn more or schedule your next appointment, they can be reached online or at (972) 364-7472.