Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) in Young Children
A significant percentage of young children clench or grind their teeth.
This behavior typically occurs when:
- The first primary (baby) teeth erupt in the mouth.
- Later, when primary teeth are being replaced by permanent teeth.
The issue is mostly observed during sleep and less frequently when the child is awake.
Possible Causes and Effects
Continuous clenching or grinding, which the child does subconsciously, may be linked to discomfort, leading to:
- Headaches
- Jaw pain
How to Help Your Child
To reduce teeth grinding, try the following:
- Help the child relax before bedtime – Lowering stress levels makes it less likely for the child to clench their teeth during sleep.
- Give a gentle jaw massage – Massaging the jaw muscles can help relieve tension.
- Encourage stretching and relaxation exercises – Alternating between stretching and relaxing the oral muscle group may be beneficial.
- Ensure adequate hydration – Studies suggest that teeth grinding may be linked to dehydration, so make sure your child drinks enough water throughout the day.
Does Bruxism Require Dental Treatment?
- In preschool-aged children, dental intervention is usually not necessary.
- For older children, an intraoral night guard may be recommended to help relieve symptoms and protect the teeth.