|
|
|
|
When you look in on your sleeping child, you want to hear the sounds
of sweet dreams: easy breathing and perhaps an occasional sigh.
But some parents hear the harsher sounds of gnashing and grinding
teeth, called bruxism, which is common in children. |
| Bruxism
is the medical term for the grinding of teeth or the clenching of
jaws, especially during deep sleep or while under stress. It comes
from the Greek word "brychein," which means to gnash the
teeth. Three out of every 10 kids will grind or clench, experts
say, with the highest incidence in children under 5. |
Though
studies have been done, no one knows why bruxism happens. But in
some cases, children may grind because the top and bottom teeth
aren't aligned properly. Others do it as a response to pain, such
as an earache or teething. Kids might grind their teeth as a way
to ease the pain, just as they might rub a sore muscle. Most kids
outgrow these fairly common causes for grinding.
Stress - usually nervous tension or anger - is another cause. For instance, your child may be worrying about a test at school or experiencing a change in routine (a new sibling or a new teacher). Even arguing with parents and siblings can cause enough stress to prompt teeth grinding or jaw clenching. |
What Are the Effects of Bruxism?
|
Generally,
bruxism doesn't hurt a child's teeth. Many cases go undetected with
no adverse effects, though some may result in mild morning headaches
or earaches. Most often, however, the condition can be more bothersome
to you and others in your home because of the grinding sound.
In some extreme circumstances, nighttime grinding and clenching can wear down tooth enamel, chip teeth, increase temperature sensitivity, and cause severe facial pain and jaw problems, such as temporomandibular joint disease (TMJ). Most children who grind, however, do not have TMJ problems unless their grinding and clenching is chronic.
|
How Is Bruxism Diagnosed?
|
Lots
of kids grind their teeth and aren't even aware of it, so it's often
siblings or parents who identify the problem.
1) grinding noises when your child is sleeping
2) complaining of a sore jaw or face in the morning
3) thumb sucking
4) fingernail biting
5) gnawing on pencils and toys
6) chewing the inside of the cheek
|
How Long Does Bruxism Last?
|
| Childhood
bruxism is usually outgrown by adolescence. Most kids stop grinding
when they lose their baby teeth because permanent teeth are much
more sensitive to pain. However, a few children do continue to grind
into adolescence. And if the bruxism is caused by stress, it will
continue until the stress is relieved. |
Most kids outgrow bruxism, but a combination of parental observation and dental visits may help keep the problem in check.
In cases where the grinding and clenching make your child's face and jaw sore, or the teeth are being damaged, dentists may prescribe a special night guard. Molded to your child's teeth, the night guard is similar to the protective mouthpieces worn by football players. Though the mouthpiece may take some getting used to, both you and your child will begin to see positive results soon.
|
How Can Bruxism Be Prevented?
|
| Because
some bruxism is a child's natural reaction to growth and development,
most cases can't be prevented. Stress-induced bruxism can be avoided,
however, by talking with kids regularly about their feelings and
helping them deal with stresses in their life. |
|
