As soon as children develop teeth, they may start a habit of grinding them unconsciously—a condition commonly known as bruxism. Ignoring this problem can lead to lasting dental problems that may be more complicated to address down the road, but by identifying and treating the underlying cause of the behavior, most parents can help their kids stop grinding their teeth. Consider this brief guide about bruxism in children and how a pediatric dentist can help protect your little one's smile. 

How Do I Know if My Child Is Grinding Their Teeth?

The easiest way to identify bruxism is to see your child clenching and rubbing their teeth unintentionally. While it’s possible for kids to engage in the behavior while awake, most do it while they are asleep. Over time, bruxism can damage the teeth. Some common signs of lasting damage include jaw pain, unusual headaches or earaches, and worn spots, chips, or lines in the enamel. Worn enamel due to grinding may also expose areas of the tooth that make your child more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures such as popsicles or hot soups.

What Causes Bruxism in Children?

Bruxism most commonly occurs in children when their teeth are growing in, as the pressure of grinding helps relieve the pain associated with tooth development. Children who have passed this phase may grind if their teeth are misaligned or to relieve pressure brought on by an ear infection. There are also cases where the problem is not related to dental health. For example, those experiencing stress or anxiety may grind their teeth to release tension.

How Is Pediatric Bruxism Treated?   

If the condition is due to an external health problem such as anxiety or ear infection, treating the underlying problem may resolve the grinding. Help your child avoid sources of stimulation like caffeine and screen time before bedtime, to relieve anxiety that may cause tooth grinding in their sleep. 

If the problem is related to dental issues, your pediatric dentist may prescribe the use of a nightguard. This custom accessory is molded to the child’s smile and placed over their teeth to protect them from abrasion. If the grinding behavior is connected to misalignment, your dentist may suggest braces or other orthodontic treatments to correct the problem.

Taking the difficulty out of your child’s dental care is easy when you’re a patient of Discovery Dental in Eagle River, AK. Catering to younger patients across Anchorage, this pediatric dentist offers a comfortable environment where kids feel at ease during treatment. Their friendly and gentle team uses state-of-the-art tools and sedation dentistry techniques to approach all standard services, including routine cleanings and cavity fillings. Visit this provider online to learn more about these services, or call (907) 622-5437 to schedule an appointment.