Teeth grinding in children: What's behind it and when should parents act?
Are you worried because your child grinds their teeth at night? The phenomenon of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, actually occurs in many children and often causes uncertainty among parents. Is grinding harmless or is there more to it? Can it perhaps even cause long-term damage?
In this article, orthodontist and pediatric dentist Dr. Carina Wick explains which signs require treatment and why teeth grinding occurs in children in the first place.
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What is bruxism in children?
Teeth grinding in children is manifested by forceful rubbing or clenching of the teeth, which results in clearly audible noises. Bruxism is an unconscious process and mainly occurs during the first stages of sleep.
The phenomenon is widespread: According to the Fifth German Oral Health Study, around one in five young Germans exhibit clear clinical signs of bruxism. However, as Prof. Dr. med. dent., M.Sc. Christian Hirsch explains in the newsletter of the Berlin dentists, the study situation is still unclear as to how bruxism activities develop from childhood to adulthood.
Causes of teeth grinding in children
The exact causes of bruxism in children have not been fully researched. Possible triggers include
Stress and emotional strain: Teeth grinding can often be attributed to tension or stress. Children who are under pressure at school or in social situations can process this during sleep in the form of teeth grinding.
Growth and teething: Especially at a young age, when the primary dentition breaks through or the permanent teeth grow in, grinding can be a natural reaction to the changed dentition.
Sleep disorders: Sleep problems such as nightmares or sleep apnea are also cited as possible triggers for teeth grinding.
Misaligned teeth: If the upper and lower jaws are misaligned, involuntary grinding can also occur because the teeth do not fit together properly.
Symptoms of teeth grinding in children
In addition to the audible sound of grinding, the following symptoms may also indicate bruxism:
- Tooth damage: Particularly pronounced grinding can erode the tooth enamel and lead to cracks or abrasion of the teeth.
- Jaw pain: Children may complain of pain or tension in the jaw area.
- Headaches: The constant pressing and grinding can lead to tension headaches.
- Sleep disorders: The child may wake up disturbed by its own grinding or develop sleep problems.
How is the diagnosis made?
The diagnosis is usually made through a thorough examination by a dentist or orthodontist. Parents often first discover the problem through the noises they hear during sleep. A dentist can then check whether there is already tooth damage or signs of misalignment.
In the case of repeated teeth grinding or visible tooth damage, a more comprehensive examination should also be considered to identify possible causes such as stress or sleep disorders.
Treatment options for teeth grinding in children
The treatment of bruxism often depends on the cause. Teeth grinding in children is often regarded as a temporary phenomenon that subsides over time. If necessary, the following measures can help:
- Bite splints: A bite splint, specially made for the child, can reduce the pressure on the teeth and protect the teeth from further abrasion. In this context, orthodontic treatment should not be confused with aligners for mixed dentition, where the trays are regularly swapped and the natural growth is NOT inhibited by always wearing the same tray. >>> Find out more about invisible braces
- Stress management: If bruxism is caused by stress, relaxation techniques, exercise and a regular daily routine can help to reduce the strain. Child-friendly relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises or autogenic training can also be useful.
- Tooth corrections: If the teeth are misaligned, orthodontic treatment can be considered in collaboration with an orthodontist. Such measures can help, especially if grinding is encouraged by misalignment.
- Regular dental check-ups: Regular visits to the dentist are important in order to detect possible damage at an early stage and treat it if necessary. Pediatric dentist Dr. Carina Wick is looking forward to seeing you at our practice in 1060 Vienna. >>> Make an appointment online now
Prevent teeth grinding in children
Parents can take some measures to prevent bruxism in their children:
- Calm evening routine: A calming evening routine can help the child to fall asleep more relaxed and reduce stress.
- Avoid using electronic devices before going to bed: Screen time can have a negative impact on sleep quality and promote stress.
- Healthy diet: Diet can also play a role, as foods with a high sugar content or caffeine (for example in soft drinks) can affect sleep.
Conclusion: Take teeth grinding in children seriously and act early!
Teeth grinding is a common phenomenon that occurs temporarily in many children and often disappears without treatment. However, if symptoms such as tooth damage, jaw pain or headaches occur, it is advisable to see a dentist to prevent potential damage. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to protect your child's dental health in the long term and combat possible causes.
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