18 Sep Why Do Kids Grind Their Teeth?
Hearing your baby or small child grind their teeth can be quite unnerving. In most cases it’s a temporary behavior, and they’ll grow out of it soon. However, if your kid is habitually grinding their teeth, and their permanent teeth have already started coming in, there may be cause for concern.
Bruxism (grinding and clenching the teeth) is actually far more common in little ones than in adults. In this post, we explore the causes of teeth grinding in kids and explain when you should talk to a dentist about it.
Why Do Babies and Toddlers Grind Their Teeth?
It’s quite common for babies and toddlers to grind their teeth occasionally. They might be experiencing teething pain, or simply testing out their new teeth to figure out how they work. The sound of their teeth grinding can be concerning, but don’t worry, it’s only temporary.
If your little one is grinding their teeth, they might need something to chew on. Give them a teething toy or a crunchy snack like celery, carrot sticks or apple slices. Gnawing on these healthy fruits and veggies will help relieve the teething pain, plus they’re good for your baby’s new teeth!
Why Is My Kid Grinding Their Teeth? Should I Be Worried?
If your school-age child is grinding their teeth, it could be for several different reasons. Just like toddlers, kids also experience tooth pain when their permanent teeth start coming in. If that’s the case, they should stop grinding their teeth once their new teeth have fully emerged.
However, tooth pain can also come from cavities and decay. If your kid has poor brushing and flossing habits, or if they eat a lot of sugary, processed foods, they’ll be more likely to develop painful cavities. Keeping up with their twice-yearly dental exams and helping them develop healthy habits should relieve the pain and stop the teeth grinding.
Other causes of teeth grinding in kids include:
- Misaligned teeth
- TMJ disorders
- Stress, anxiety, or ADHD
- Headaches/migraines
- Sleep disturbances
- Airway obstructions (large tonsils, adenoids, sleeping position)
- Allergies
Bruxism causes enamel erosion, tooth fractures, jaw pain, headaches, and more. If your kid is grinding their teeth, let their dentist know. Misaligned teeth can be corrected with braces or clear aligners, and TMJ disorders can often be treated by their dentist as well.
If your child is grinding their teeth as a result of a medical condition like headaches or allergies, you’ll need to consult a pediatrician. Treating the source of the problem should put a stop to the bruxism as well, but having your child wear a mouthguard at night will help prevent the negative effects of teeth grinding.
Holistic Dental Care for Kids in Prescott, Arizona
Back-to-school season is a great time to pay a visit to the dentist. If you haven’t already scheduled your child’s second dental exam this year, make an appointment at Prescott Dentistry. We’ll let you know if we see any signs of bruxism, cavities, gingivitis, or misalignments, and advise you on the safest, most effective treatments for your child. Contact us to schedule a back-to-school exam today.
Photo by Maria Budanova on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 9/6/24.