Bruxism: What is it, and How Does it Affect My Child’s Teeth?

This blog has been reviewed by a pediatric dentist.

Bruxism is the dental term for teeth grinding or jaw clenching, especially at night. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including teething, stress, and misaligned teeth. 

Bruxism Wears Down Enamel and Increases Sensitivity

The grinding motion of bruxism is especially damaging to teeth. It damages enamel, wearing through it and making teeth sensitive and more susceptible to cavities. It can also crack teeth, leading to pain. Flattened, chipped, or cracked teeth are not an uncommon result of bruxism. 

It Causes TMD and Jaw Pain

Bruxism can also cause TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder. This occurs when the jaw joints are misaligned. This misalignment causes dysfunction when the patient chews, talks, yawns, or swallows. TMD can cause jaw pain, facial pain, headaches, earaches, and more. 

It Can Result in Tooth Loss

In extreme cases, bruxism can cause a tooth to fall out. Fractures or severe damage are extremely concerning to parents.

It Can Damage Dental Work

Because bruxism is such a strong repetitive act, it can damage dental work like fillings and crowns. Imagine thousands of dollars of work down the drain, and having to take your child in for another procedure! 

Bruxism Can Signal Difficulties

Bruxism is commonly associated with sleep disruptions and sleep disordered breathing. Children with sleep disordered breathing are known to grind their teeth back and forth to try to improve airflow while sleeping. Often, children wake up with pain and headaches and seem excessively tired. Further investigation of sleep disordered breathing should be taken seriously if your child has these symptoms.

What Can I Do About My Child Grinding Their Teeth?

The number one thing we recommend for children in North Dallas who grind their teeth is a nightguard. Custom nightguards are shaped to fit your child’s teeth exactly and provide a comfortable fit. Nightguards prevent damage while you sleep and protect your teeth and jaw from bruxism. While nightguards prevent harm to the teeth, they don’t stop the child from grinding. To work on that, we recommend stress management, like teaching breathing exercises to manage anxiety. Regular exercise can help alleviate stress as well, which can reduce bruxism. You can also have your child avoid hard or sticky foods, which can be hard to chew. For more hygiene tips we recommend parents read this blog.

Custom Nightguard Solutions in North Dallas

Children’s Dentistry of North Dallas offers custom nightguard and mouthguard solutions for children who grind their teeth, as well as children who need protection during high-contact sports. If your child has been grinding their teeth, you can talk to one of our dentists about how to manage the problem. Call 214-378-8868 to schedule a visit to our office or schedule a consultation here. 

FAQs Frequently Asked Questions

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is the term for clenching and grinding your teeth.

What happens to the teeth when you grind?

Grinding teeth wears them down and can chip or crack them as well. It can make gums recede, cause tooth loss, as well as jaw pain and headaches.

What’s the difference between a nightguard and a mouthguard?

A nightguard is made to protect teeth from grinding and clenching and is worn at night. A mouthguard is made to sustain impacts during sports, distributing force and preventing tooth loss and damage to the jaw from collisions.

Should I also see a sleep specialist if my child grinds their teeth?

Bruxism can happen when your child has trouble breathing at night. By grinding their teeth back and forth, their body is trying to open their airway. Talk to your pediatric dentist about your concerns. They can refer you to a sleep specialist if necessary.