{"id":204395,"date":"2021-08-31T12:21:43","date_gmt":"2021-08-31T12:21:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wemakekidssmile.net\/?p=204395"},"modified":"2021-08-31T12:21:43","modified_gmt":"2021-08-31T12:21:43","slug":"guarding-against-teeth-grinding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wemakekidssmile.net\/guarding-against-teeth-grinding\/","title":{"rendered":"Guarding Against Teeth Grinding"},"content":{"rendered":"

Understanding Bruxism in Children<\/span><\/h1>\n

Have you noticed that your child\u2019s teeth seem to be wearing unevenly<\/a>? If your child\u2019s smile seems to be showing unusual signs of wear and tear along with sensitivity, headaches, and jaw pain, your child may have bruxism or teeth grinding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is bruxism or teeth grinding?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Bruxism is an oral habit that typically involves teeth grinding, gnashing, and jaw clenching. It\u2019s a common problem for all ages, but it tends to affect young kids most often.<\/span><\/p>\n

The exact number of bruxism cases is tricky to determine since it can happen on occasion and kids can outgrow the habit. It\u2019s estimated that as many as <\/span>half of all kids will experience bruxism<\/span><\/a> at some point during their childhood.<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s unique about most cases of bruxism in youngsters is that it tends to occur at night! It isn\u2019t uncommon for parents to watch their child peacefully sleep and suddenly notice that they seem to be grinding their teeth or clenching their jaw.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why is my child grinding their teeth?<\/span><\/h2>\n

While tooth decay can be to blame for a cavity and toothache, finding the underlying cause of bruxism in kids isn\u2019t usually so simple. Teeth grinding can be due to a physical problem, an emotional problem, or a combination of both.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kids who are already in pain \u2014 perhaps from an unrelated health condition \u2014 may grind their teeth as a coping mechanism. Chronic tooth decay can also cause kids to grind and clench their teeth because of the discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n

The process of gaining baby teeth or adult teeth can often trigger bruxism as well. Crooked teeth and a misaligned bite can also be to blame.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Emotional stress, anxiety, depression, overactivity, and many behavioral conditions can also cause bruxism to become habitual. Just like how you might clench your teeth and jaw during a stressful moment at work, kids can often react in the same manner.<\/span><\/p>\n

How can I tell if my child has bruxism?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The most noticeable symptom of bruxism in kids is visually witnessing your child grinding their teeth. As mentioned, this often happens at night, but you might also notice them doing this throughout the day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Teeth grinding isn\u2019t the only sign your child has bruxism, though. Some other common symptoms include:<\/span><\/p>\n