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What is bruxism?

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is the conscious or unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth. It happens most often in children. About 20% to 30% of children grind their teeth, usually while asleep. You may have heard your child doing it at night. Sometimes, children will grind their teeth during the day when they feel anxious. The good news is, most children will eventually stop grinding their teeth. This often happens around the time they lose their baby teeth.

What are the symptoms of bruxism?

Physical symptoms are usually related to the teeth and jaw.

Teeth might look worn down or could be chipped. Grinding can wear down tooth enamel. So, the problem exposes children to future dental issues if left untreated. This could include sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks.

Children who grind their teeth often say they have a sore jaw. This can happen when they wake up or when they are chewing. Teeth grinding can lead to headaches, earaches, and facial pain. Excessive grinding can cause TMJ, or temporomandibular joint problems.

Teeth grinding can also be tied to emotional symptoms, such as:

• anxiety
• stress
• tension
• depression
• eating disorders

Some people grind their teeth and don’t have any symptoms. They may not even be aware that they are doing it, especially if they do it when sleeping. Sometimes they only way people know they grind their teeth is because family members hear them doing it while they are asleep.

What causes bruxism?

Healthcare providers don’t always know what causes teeth grinding. Bruxism in children is more common in those diagnosed with a hyperactivity disorder or health issues, such as cerebral palsy. Certain medicines can also cause it. For some children, teeth grinding occurs because their teeth are not aligned properly.

In older children or adults, it may be linked to daily stress. Whether or not it causes symptoms can depend on many things. These include:

• The level of stress you have
• How hard you grind or clench your teeth and for how long
• Your ability to relax
• Your sleeping habits
• Whether your teeth are misaligned

How is bruxism diagnosed?

A physical exam can usually tell your healthcare provider or dentist if you or your child have been grinding your teeth. Your healthcare provider will notice the appearance of worn teeth and enamel. Medical professionals often consider teeth grinding as a diagnosis when a patient complains of any facial or oral pain, including soreness while chewing. An exam can also rule out other causes of your symptoms, such as ear infections.

Can bruxism be prevented or avoided?

In many children, bruxism is their natural reaction to growth and development. These cases can’t be prevented. But stress-related teeth grinding in children and adults can be avoided. Setting a calming bedtime routine is the first step you can take to avoid teeth grinding. Help your child relax at night:

• Limit television and electronics several hours before bed.
• Provide calm music for them to listen to.
• Give them a warm shower or bath.
• Allow them to read or listen while you read.

Reducing stress is important. Talk with your child regularly about their feelings. Help them deal with stress. If you are suffering from bruxism, take steps to reduce stress in your life. Talk to a friend, family member, or counselor about what is causing you stress. Try to eliminate stressors if you can.

Bruxism treatment

Treatment for bruxism can depend on your symptoms or the underlying cause. Some children who don’t have symptoms may not need treatment.

Some treatment options are designed to reduce grinding and clenching. Your healthcare provider may begin by having you or your child wear a mouth guard at night. The mouth guard is specially made to fit your teeth. It’s similar to mouth guards used by athletes participating in contact sports. There are many types of mouth guards. They are designed to work in different ways. Some are designed to prevent damage to your teeth. Others prevent the upper and lower teeth from touching to eliminate grinding. Your healthcare provider will help find the right kind of mouth guard for you.

If your grinding is caused by misaligned teeth, your healthcare provider may recommend a visit to the dentist.

Sometimes stress is the underlying cause of your or your child’s teeth grinding. In this case, getting to the root of emotional problems can often help. For example, your healthcare provider may talk with your child about things that worry them. This could include school, home life, or new experiences. They can try to come up with a plan to help your child be less worried and anxious. If there is no sign of improvement, or the emotional problems seem to be more serious, talk to your healthcare provider to explore further evaluation and treatment options.

Living with bruxism

Teeth clenching or grinding is not dangerous. Most children will outgrow it. But it can cause uncomfortable symptoms that can interfere with daily life. There are steps you can take to reduce and prevent pain. Home care tips include:

• Apply wet heat or ice to sore jaw muscles.
• Massage the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and face.
• Avoid hard, dense, or chewy foods, such as nuts, bagels, or steak.
• Don’t chew gum.
• Learn physical therapy stretching exercises.
• Relax your facial muscles throughout the day.
• Reduce stress.
• Learn relaxation techniques.

If self-care steps don’t help after several weeks and you are still experiencing symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.