Bruxism is a medical term for teeth grinding or the clenching of the jaw.
Many children are said to have bruxism, but usually grow out of it by early adulthood.
Bruxism usually happens while children sleep or when they are under stress.
What happens when bruxism is not treated?
If bruxism goes untreated it can wear down tooth enamel, chip teeth, increase temperature sensitivity and can cause severe facial pain and jaw problems.
How can bruxism be treated?
Bruxism usually goes away as the child gets older, but a combination of observation of the child and dentist visits can help keep the problem in check while it is still there.
Children do not experience pain like most young adults due to grinding. If young adults are experiencing pain, their dentist can prescribe a night guard.
A night guard is usually only prescribed after the child has lost their baby teeth.
When do children experience bruxism?
Usually the grinding starts around age 5, when the new “stress” of starting school begins. It happens again in the early teenage years and again into late teen/early adulthood. At this time if it has not stopped, a nightguard is recommended.