Every parent is attuned to their child’s milestones and growth patterns, eagerly awaiting the first word or step. But there are subtle behaviours, often unnoticed, that equally demand attention. One such behaviour is teeth grinding, scientifically termed “bruxism.” Thiscommon yet often overlooked phenomenon is not limited to the realm of adults—children too can experience it. Especially in tender years, Bruxism might be dismissed as a transient habit, but it could be a silent beacon of underlying issues or the precursor to dental complications.
Dive into an engaging exploration of teeth grinding in children, understand its origins, identify its symptoms, and arm yourself with the knowledge to champion your child’s oral health.
Understanding Bruxism in Children
At its core,bruxism is the involuntary grinding of teeth, often paired with jaw clenching. This behavioural pattern, particularly among children, is not a rarity and can manifest in various intensities and frequencies.
Awake vs. Sleep Bruxism
Bruxism takes two primary forms: awake and sleep bruxism. Awake bruxism happens during wakefulness, often as a subconscious response to emotions like stress, focus, or even frustration.
In contrast, sleep bruxism occurs as a child rests, making it harder to detect unless someone hears the grinding or visible dental signs appear.
The Age Factor
It’s important to note that bruxism is not exclusive to any particular age group. Infants, toddlers, and older children can all exhibit signs of teeth grinding. While some infants might grind their teeth as new ones emerge, older kids might do so in response to stressors or even misaligned teeth.
Potential Impacts
Temporary bruxism might seem harmless, but if the condition persists, it can pave the way for dental issues. The wear and tear of a child’s teeth, gum inflammation, and jaw-related complications are among the potential repercussions. Moreover, the psychological aspects, whether causes or effects, cannot be overlooked.
Causes of Teeth Grinding in Children
Bruxism, the medical term for teeth grinding, is observed in many children. However, understanding why it occurs can be perplexing for many parents. Delving into the root causes can be multifaceted, intertwining physical and psychological aspects.
1. Physical Causes
Malocclusion: One of the leading physical reasons for bruxism in children is the misalignment of upper and lower teeth, known as malocclusion. When they don’t fit together correctly, it can lead to involuntary grinding.
Response to Pain: Just as adults might rub a sore knee or twitch an aching shoulder, children might grind their teeth in response to pain. This can be due to emerging baby teeth (in toddlers) or even earaches.
2. Psychological Causes
Stress and Anxiety: Children are not immune to the pressures and stresses of life. Changes in their environment, like starting a new school or familial tensions, can lead to feelings of anxiety. Children grind teeth in such instances. It can be a subconscious way to cope.
Hyperactivity and Other Psychological Disorders: Children diagnosed with ADHD or similar conditions often display higher incidences of bruxism. The increased energy and anxiety associated with such disorders can contribute to tooth grinding.
3. Other Contributing Factors
Medications and Medical Conditions: Certain medications or pediatric conditions can lead to bruxism as a side effect. It’s crucial to monitor any new health regimen or medication your child is on and note any onset of teeth grinding.
Genetics: Like many health concerns, bruxism can also be hereditary. If parents or close family members had a history of teeth grinding, children might be more predisposed to it.
Symptoms and Signs
Teeth grinding or bruxism in children might often fly under the radar, especially during sleep. However, prolonged and untreated bruxism can lead to significant dental and health concerns. For parents and caregivers, understanding and recognising the symptoms and signs associated with this condition is pivotal to ensure timely intervention.
1. Dental Indications
Tooth Wear and Tear: One of the most noticeable signs of bruxism is excessive wear on the surfaces of the teeth. This might manifest as flattened or chipped teeth. Over time, if left unchecked, this can even lead to fractures in the teeth.
Increased Sensitivity: As the enamel wears down due to grinding, teeth may become more sensitive to temperatures or certain foods. A child complaining about sharp pain when consuming hot or cold items might be experiencing the effects of sensitive teeth and bruxism.
2. Auditory Clues
Grinding Noises: The sound might be the first and most evident sign. It’s the most evident sign if the child grinds their teeth during the night. It’s a distinctive noise that can sometimes be loud enough to wake someone sharing the room.
3. Muscular Symptoms
Sore Jaw or Tightness: Constant grinding can strain the jaw muscles, leading to pain or a feeling of tightness. Some children might complain about discomfort, especially in the morning after a night of grinding.
Headaches and Earaches: The pressure exerted during grinding affects the permanent teeth and jaw and can lead to tension headaches or even earaches.
4. Behavioural Indicators
Disrupted Sleep: Continuous grinding can interfere with a child’s sleep, leading to frequent awakenings, obstructive sleep apnoea, or even nightmares. Over time, this can result in sleep deprivation, manifesting as daytime drowsiness or irritability.
Chewing on Objects: Children, especially those with bruxism, might habituate chewing on objects like pencils, toys, or clothing, which can signify their persistent need to clench or grind.
Diagnosis and Professional Help
Diagnosing bruxism in children often requires a keen observant eye and professional insights. If you suspect your child might be grinding their teeth, how to proceed:
Regular Dental Check-Ups: Regular visits to the dentist are paramount. Dentists can identify early signs of grinding, such as wear patterns on the tooth surfaces or damage to the tooth enamel, even before parents become aware of the issue.
Consultation with a Professional Dentist: Our dental experts at Available Dental Care can offer insights into the severity of the bruxism and its potential causes and recommend appropriate interventions.
Engaging Other Professionals: In cases where the grinding might be linked to psychological factors, involving child psychologists or therapists could be beneficial. Additionally, paediatricians can identify or rule out other medical conditions or risk factors of medications that might contribute to bruxism.
Recognising bruxism and seeking timely professional help ensures a comprehensive understanding and targeted approach to managing effectively and treating this condition.
Treatment and Management
Addressing bruxism in a child isn’t merely about curbing the grinding act but revolves around a holistic approach that encompasses prevention and treatment. Early intervention can mitigate potential complications, ensuring a child’s dental and overall health remains optimal.
1. Dental Approaches
Dental Guards or Splints: A dental guard is one of the most common recommendations for children with bruxism. These are custom-fitted mouth protectors that shield the teeth from grinding during sleep. They are comfortable and help reduce pressure on the jaw.
Correcting Tooth Alignment: In cases where malocclusion is the primary cause, orthodontic treatment might be suggested to realign teeth and prevent further grinding.
2. Behavioural Therapies
Stress-Reducing Techniques: Since stress is a common trigger, introducing children to relaxation methods such as deep breathing exercises or guided imagery can be beneficial. These techniques can be incorporated into bedtime routines to ensure a calm transition to sleep.
Biofeedback: This is a more advanced method where children are taught to control muscle activity, especially of the jaw, using monitoring procedures. While it requires specialised equipment, it can effectively curate awake bruxism.
3. Home Remedies
Establishing Regular Bedtime Routines: Consistent sleep schedules and calming bedtime rituals can reduce instances of sleep bruxism. Activities like reading or soft music can induce more peaceful sleep.
Limiting Stimulants: Reducing or eliminating caffeine intake from sources like chocolate or sodas, especially before bedtime, can help decrease the likelihood of grinding.
4. Medication
While not typically the first line of defence, there are instances where medication might be prescribed for child grinding teeth. Muscle relaxants taken before bedtime can help in cases of severe bruxism. How it’s imperative to consider potential side effects and consult with a paediatrician.
Treating and managing bruxism in children requires a blend of professional intervention and home-based strategies. With prompt attention and a comprehensive approach, the adverse effects of teeth grinding can be minimised or even eliminated.
Conclusion
Bruxism in children, while common, requires timely attention and understanding. Being informed empowers parents and caregivers to make the best decisions for their children’s dental and overall well-being, from the early signs to effective management strategies. Early detection and intervention can prevent potential complications, ensuring your child’s smile remains radiant and healthy.
If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth grinding or want professional insights into managing, don’t hesitate to reach out. The experts at Available Dental Care Campbelltown are just a call away. With their seasoned expertise and commitment to children’s dental health, they can offer tailored solutions to ensure the well-being of your child’s oral health.
Contact Available Dental Care today at (02) 4601 3828. Your child’s health and your peace of mind are worth that call.
References
Bruxism (teeth grinding) – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/symptoms-causes/syc-20356095