Do you notice your child making grinding noises when they’re asleep? They could be grinding their teeth, a condition known as bruxism. Bruxism can be a serious dental condition if the grinding and clenching erodes the tooth enamel. Unfortunately, teeth grinding is rather common in children. In fact, one out of 10 children have bruxism. The good news is that most children will grow out of it.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

The exact cause of bruxism in children isn’t quite clear. However, many dentists suspect that misaligned teeth and pain are two of the main causes. Similar to adults, children who experience anxiety or stress may be grind their teeth as a way to relieve it. In some cases, children who are hyperactive or have medical condition, such as cerebral palsy, can develop bruxism.

Effects of Bruxism

Bruxism may be undetected with little to no side effects. However, many children may expereince headaches, earaches, and jaw pain after a night of grinding their teeth. Worn down tooth enamel is a more permanent effect of bruxism. If you suspect your child may be grinding their teeth, we recommend checking in on them at night to see whether or not they’re making grinding noises. If they are, it’s essential to schedule a dental checkup for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Call Mountain View Pediatric Dentistry Today!

Our dentists love to help kids enjoy coming to the dentist and look forward to their check-ups by providing an overall positive experience. We understand that each child is different and unique and thus may require a unique and tailored dental experience to make their dental visit as enjoyable as possible. When it comes to making decisions, diagnosis and treatment rendered, we go out of our way to visualize and ponder the reality of “What would we do if this were my own child?” Call us today to set up an appointment!