Is Grinding Teeth Normal for Kids?

Have you noticed your kids grinding their teeth while asleep? Does this worry you because you associate teeth grinding with tooth loss? The truth is that kids grinding their teeth is normal and should not be cause for concern. The reason behind children grinding their teeth is due to the new sensations they might feel, and therefore grinding helps deal with that. Nevertheless, when you realize that your kid is grinding their teeth more than usual, it would be best to take them for teeth grinding treatment in Taylor and West Bloomfield.

What Is Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding or bruxism is a condition that entails the grinding, gnashing, and clenching of teeth. This condition can affect anyone, regardless of age, and happens involuntarily. So this means that your child can grind their teeth without them noticing what is happening. Moreover, this condition can happen during the day or at night. When bruxism happens during the day, it is referred to as awake bruxism, while at night, when asleep is known as sleep bruxism. Bruxism can be accompanied by sleep apnea and snoring.

Now that you know what this condition is, why do kids grind their teeth?

Why Do Kids Grind Their Teeth?

Toddlers can grind their teeth as a means of learning how their mouth works or as a way of relieving pain due to the growing teeth. However, when kids grind their teeth often, it can be due to stress, anxiety, or frustration. In addition, your kid might be used to grinding their teeth, which turns into an unconscious habit.

Nevertheless, there are risk factors that predispose your kid to teeth grinding.

First is age. Young children are more prone to bruxism than older kids. The good thing is that this condition will go away as your child ages.

Secondly, some medications can expose your kid to bruxism. Medications that are used to treat ADHD can cause teeth grinding in kids.

Another risk factor is genetics. This means that if any of your family members or you have this condition, it can be transmitted to the next generation, and these are your kids.

Other disorders can also cause bruxism. These disorders include night terrors, ADHD, sleep apnea, and epilepsy.

 When To Visit A Pediatric Dentist About Teeth Grinding In Children?

If your kid does not grind their teeth often, they will outgrow this condition as they age. However, if the grinding is severe, it would be best to look for bruxism treatment in Taylor and West Bloomfield.

So, what are the symptoms to watch out for?

Grinding Noises

Have you walked across your kid’s bedroom and heard squeaking, gnashing, or chewing noises while your child is asleep? If you’re not sure of what the noises are, you can check and confirm whether or not your kid is grinding their teeth. You can check them for a couple of nights to determine whether or not this is often. Moreover, you can use a baby monitor to check on your kid.

Jaw Pain

If your kid complains about a sore jaw in the morning, they likely grind their teeth. The pain is brought about by the pressure exerted on their temporomandibular joints and jaw.

Damage to Teeth and Gums

Have you checked on your kid’s teeth and gums? Aggressive teeth grinding can damage your child’s gums and teeth, and in other instances, it can wear them. In addition, bruxism can lead your kid to have chipped, cracked teeth and receding gums. Tooth fillings can also get damaged due to teeth grinding.

Tooth Sensitivity

Additionally, if your kid complains about discomfort in their teeth, especially when they drink or eat something cold or hot, you can take them for a checkup. This is because grinding can cause tooth sensitivity, and only a visit to the dentist can help determine the cause of sensitivity.

Headaches

Teeth grinding can also cause headaches. Your kid can have a headache when they wake up, which is caused by the pressure on the jaw and teeth and leads to headaches. There can also be pain that radiates to the child’s neck and ear.

Nevertheless, you can try and find the source of your child’s bruxism. It can be caused by allergies and blockage of your child’s breathing airways. On the other hand, you can bring your child to Golnick Pediatric Dental Associates, and we will help alleviate the symptoms and keep the condition in control.