Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley CA
Teeth grinding—also known as bruxism—isn’t just an adult issue. It’s surprisingly common in children, too. While it may seem like a harmless nighttime habit, untreated bruxism can lead to long-term dental concerns. That’s why early identification and professional care are essential.
At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, we’re here to guide you through recognizing, understanding, and treating teeth grinding in your child. Our goal is to help your little one maintain a healthy, happy smile through every stage of development.
What Is Teeth Grinding in Children?
Bruxism refers to the involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, typically during sleep. In children, this behavior can result in dental wear, jaw discomfort, headaches, and even sleep disturbances.
Common causes include:
- Stress or anxiety
- Dental misalignment
- Medical conditions such as sleep apnea
- Normal developmental phases
Although some children outgrow it, others may require professional support to avoid lasting damage. That’s where our compassionate, experienced team steps in.
Signs Your Child May Be Grinding Their Teeth
Children aren’t always aware of or able to express the discomfort caused by teeth grinding. As a parent, it’s important to look for signs such as:
- Unusual wear on the teeth (flattened, chipped, or worn enamel)
- Jaw pain or soreness, especially in the morning
- Grinding noises during sleep
- Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Interrupted sleep or daytime fatigue
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to consult our team in Scotts Valley for a comprehensive evaluation.
How We Diagnose Pediatric Bruxism
At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, we take a whole-child, whole-health approach to diagnosis. When you bring your child in, we’ll:
- Examine their teeth and jaw for wear or alignment issues
- Assess bite patterns and jaw development
- Review medical and dental history
- Listen carefully to any symptoms your child may have shared with you
This thorough evaluation helps us determine the root cause of your child’s bruxism—whether it’s related to stress, anatomy, or another underlying factor—and tailor a treatment plan just for them.
Personalized Treatment Options
Every child is different, and so are their needs. That’s why we offer customized treatment solutions, which may include:
- Custom Mouthguards: Designed for comfort and protection, a nightguard prevents tooth damage while reducing muscle tension.
- Orthodontic Correction: If misalignment is contributing to bruxism, we may recommend orthodontic treatment to correct bite and jaw function.
- Stress-Relief Techniques: Relaxation routines before bed—like gentle breathing exercises, reading, or a warm bath—can ease tension that may trigger grinding.
- Behavioral Guidance: We’ll work with you to identify and adjust habits that could be encouraging grinding, such as chewing on pencils or fingernails.
Together, we’ll develop a strategy that fits into your child’s daily routine while supporting long-term dental health.
At-Home Care and Preventive Strategies
You play a vital role in managing and preventing bruxism. Our team recommends a few simple steps that can make a big difference:
- Create a calming bedtime routine to reduce stress
- Discourage chewing on non-food items, like toys or pens
- Ensure proper hydration throughout the day
- Limit sugar and caffeine, especially in the evening
- Maintain regular dental check-ups so we can monitor changes early
Small daily habits, when paired with professional care, can go a long way in managing teeth grinding.
The Importance of Regular Check-Ups
Ongoing care is crucial—especially for growing kids.
Regular dental visits help us:
- Monitor tooth and jaw development
- Catch signs of grinding early
- Adjust treatment as your child grows
- Reinforce good oral hygiene habits
At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, we take pride in building relationships with families and watching children grow into confident, healthy individuals with strong, beautiful smiles.
Let’s Protect Your Child’s Smile—Together
Teeth grinding in children is common, but that doesn’t mean it should go unaddressed. With compassionate care, early intervention, and a tailored approach, we can help protect your child’s dental health now and in the future.
📍 Located in Scotts Valley, CA, our team is here to help your child thrive.
📞 Call (831) 438-4411 to schedule a consultation with our friendly team or book your appointment online.
A confident, healthy smile starts with early action—let’s take the first step together.
