Teeth Grinding

Did you ever wonder what that odd clicking, crunching, and scraping sound you hear at night or occasionally during the day might be? It could be someone is grinding their teeth. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is quite common in children and most prevalent during sleep.

The good news is that most kids outgrow it. However, in some cases, the condition can lead to consequences to a child’s oral health and well-being. A teeth grinding habit can wear down the tooth enamel, resulting in tooth sensitivity or chipped teeth. It can also cause some children to experience headaches, and face, ear, or jaw pain.

Children may grind their teeth for the following reasons:

• A malocclusion, or improperly aligned teeth
• A response to stress or pain
• Medical conditions or certain medications

Night guards and other recommendations in care

While pediatric teeth grinding may diminish as a child matures, some cases require therapeutic intervention. A specialized nighttime dental appliance known as a night guard keeps the teeth apart and stops them from grinding against each other. Somewhat similar in design to a sports mouthguard, it prevents unhealthy trauma to the teeth and alleviates pressure on the jaw joint and surrounding areas. If the condition seems to be exacerbated by stress or other factors, additional types of supportive guidance and therapeutic care can help.