Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley CA
At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry in Scotts Valley, CA, we understand that maintaining a child’s dental health is just as important as their overall well-being. One issue that many parents may not be aware of is teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, which can occur in children. While occasional teeth grinding is fairly common in kids, persistent grinding can lead to a range of dental and health problems.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at why children grind their teeth, the potential consequences, and how we can help at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry.
What is Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)?
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is when a person clenches their teeth together or grinds them back and forth, often while asleep. It can occur in both children and adults, though it tends to be more common in younger kids as they grow and develop their teeth. For most children, the grinding is temporary, but in some cases, it can persist into adulthood if not addressed.
While you may not always hear your child grinding their teeth, signs of bruxism often appear in the morning when they complain of a sore jaw, or when you notice worn-down tooth surfaces.
Why Do Children Grind Their Teeth?
There are many potential causes of teeth grinding in children. Some of the most common include:
1. Teething and New Tooth Growth
When children are teething, the discomfort from new teeth coming through can cause them to grind their teeth. It’s their way of coping with the pressure or irritation in their mouth.
2. Stress or Anxiety
Just like adults, children can feel stress or anxiety, and sometimes they release this tension through teeth grinding. Changes in their environment, school stress, or family problems can all contribute to bruxism.
3. Earaches or Pain
Children may grind their teeth as a response to earaches or other pain in the mouth or jaw. This is especially true if the pain is in their molars or around the jaw area.
4. Misaligned Bite (Malocclusion)
If your child’s teeth or jaw don’t align properly, it may lead to teeth grinding. When the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together naturally, they can rub or grind against each other, causing discomfort that leads to bruxism.
5. Sleep Disorders
Children who suffer from sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, may also grind their teeth. The irregular breathing patterns associated with sleep apnea can increase stress and trigger teeth grinding as a response.
6. Medications
Some medications, especially stimulants or those prescribed for ADHD, can cause bruxism as a side effect. Always check with your child’s doctor if you suspect this might be a contributing factor.
Signs Your Child Might Be Grinding Their Teeth
Teeth grinding may not always be immediately noticeable. However, over time, it can lead to significant oral health issues.
Here are a few signs that your child may be grinding their teeth:
- Worn or Flattened Teeth: If you notice that your child’s teeth are becoming flat or worn down, this is one of the most obvious signs of grinding.
- Jaw Pain or Tenderness: Complaints of sore jaw muscles, especially in the morning, may indicate that your child is grinding their teeth while sleeping.
- Headaches: Children who grind their teeth may experience frequent headaches or migraines, especially in the temples or forehead areas.
- Tooth Sensitivity: If your child suddenly complains about sensitive teeth when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods, it could be due to enamel wear from grinding.
- Disrupted Sleep: Teeth grinding can lead to interrupted sleep for both your child and anyone else in the house who may be hearing the grinding sounds at night.
The Dangers of Untreated Teeth Grinding in Children
While some occasional teeth grinding in children is normal, if it becomes persistent, it can lead to serious oral health problems.
These include:
- Tooth Wear and Damage: Grinding can cause enamel loss, which makes teeth more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. It can also lead to cracked or chipped teeth.
- Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorders: Over time, teeth grinding can place excessive stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to jaw pain, stiffness, or even more severe TMJ disorders.
- Gum Recession: The pressure from grinding can cause the gums to recede, leading to tooth sensitivity and an increased risk of gum disease.
- Disrupted Sleep: If teeth grinding is severe, it can cause your child to have disrupted sleep, leading to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty focusing during the day.
How Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry Can Help
At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, we take a holistic approach to treating children with bruxism. Our goal is to address the root cause of the problem while providing relief from symptoms.
Here’s how we can help:
- Custom Nightguards: A custom nightguard can help protect your child’s teeth from the damage caused by grinding. It’s a comfortable, non-invasive solution that can be worn during sleep to reduce wear and protect against jaw tension.
- Bite Evaluation: If misalignment is contributing to your child’s teeth grinding, we can perform a thorough bite evaluation and suggest corrective treatments, such as orthodontics, to help improve their bite and reduce bruxism.
- Stress Management: If anxiety is a contributing factor, we can recommend relaxation techniques or work with other professionals to help manage your child’s stress levels.
- Sleep Apnea Diagnosis: If sleep apnea is a concern, we can help identify signs of this disorder and provide treatment options to improve your child’s sleep and reduce the risk of grinding.
Don’t Wait—Get Your Child the Help They Need
If you suspect your child is grinding their teeth or if they’re showing signs of bruxism, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Early intervention can prevent further damage to their teeth and improve their quality of life.
Contact us today at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry in Scotts Valley, CA, to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help protect your child’s smile.
