Teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) is a common condition in children and adolescents, especially during growth spurts or other stressful periods. Early detection of bruxism can prevent enamel wear, jaw pain, and potential bite changes that may need orthodontic correction. 

In this article, we’ll explain what to look for to spot teeth grinding in your child, both during the day and at night. Additionally, we’ll go over some at-home management strategies and tell you when you should seek professional guidance. 

Common Causes of Pediatric Bruxism

There are several causes of pediatric bruxism, ranging from psychological factors and stresses to physical conditions. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Stress and Anxiety: Children and teenagers experiencing high stress can suffer from teeth grinding. Parents should be on a particular lookout for bruxism in teens who are experiencing stressful school exams, big life changes, relationship problems, high-pressure athletic events, or are dealing with peer pressure. These can also be triggers of nighttime grinding. 
• Misaligned Bite: When upper and lower teeth don’t meet properly, it can cause a misaligned bite. When children have a misaligned bite, the jaw may compensate by clenching, leading to cases of bruxism.
• Medical Factors: Children who suffer from ADHD or are taking certain medications may be more prone to teeth grinding, both during the day and overnight. Ask your child’s pediatrician if any medications your child is taking can lead to bruxism. 

Daytime Warning Signs Parents Can Observe

While many people may think of teeth grinding as a nighttime activity, it can also show itself during the day. If you notice audible grinding or clenching noises when kids watch TV, read, or concentrate on homework, it could be an indicator of teeth grinding.

Other signs of bruxism include frequent chewing on pencils, pens, or fingernails as a daytime clenching habit. If your child also complains of tired jaw muscles or headaches after school, teeth grinding could be the cause. 

Nighttime Clues of Teeth Grinding

If you suspect your child may be grinding their teeth at night, install baby monitors or try to check on them during sleep to see if they’re dealing with bruxism. For teens, ask them if they would be comfortable installing a camera to record them overnight, and watch the video back in the morning to check for potential signs of teeth grinding.

If you still can’t get a clear indication of whether your child is grinding their teeth, see if they wake up with a sore jaw, facial muscle stiffness, or unexplained ear pain. Any of these could be a sure sign of teeth grinding. 

Frequent sleep interruptions, turning, or issues with nighttime awakenings leading to poor, restless sleep can also be caused by nocturnal bruxism.

Dental Symptoms Your Dentist Watches For

If you believe your child is suffering from pediatric bruxism and at-home treatments are not solving the issue, it’s a smart idea to bring them in to see a dental professional. Dentists will be on the lookout for some telltale signs of potential teeth grinding, such as: 

• Flattened or chipped tooth surfaces, especially on molars.
• Worn enamel exposing yellow dentin underneath.
• Sensitive teeth or small fractures near the gumline.
• Jaw muscle or tenderness, especially upon waking. 
• Damage to the inside of the cheeks. 
• Clicking or popping of the jaw. 

Potential Health Consequences of Bruxism If Not Treated

If teeth grinding is not diagnosed or is left untreated, it can lead to some significant issues for young patients. This may include: 

• Chronic headaches or facial pain from overworked jaw muscles.
• TMJ issues: clicking, popping, or restricted jaw movement.
• Orthodontic relapse or bite changes require further treatment.
• Poor sleep quality and increased likelihood of sleep apnea. 
• Irritability and severe mood swings. 
• Abnormal tooth and jaw development. 

If you believe your child may be experiencing teeth grinding or if they complain of any of the symptoms listed above, bring them to a dentist for full treatment and diagnosis. 

Steps to Confirm a Diagnosis

The best way to confirm a bruxism diagnosis is to see a dentist for a complete evaluation. Diagnosis is generally a complex process that requires a dentist for an accurate diagnosis (Research Gate). Dentists can examine wear patterns and may recommend a bite analysis for further evaluation.

Some patients may undergo a sleep study, which can help rule out other potential causes of nighttime disruptions, such as sleep apnea or other sleep disorders. In some cases, a full medical consultation may be needed, where a pediatrician can review medications or other underlying conditions which may be contributing to teeth grinding.

Home and Professional Management Options

While professional treatment is always recommended, there are also several steps you can take at home to reduce teeth grinding.

Reduce stress for your child by incorporating a relaxing bedtime routine, utilizing mindfulness apps or videos, or having them undergo counseling to treat anxiety and other mental health conditions. 

From a physical standpoint, a custom night guard made by a dentist can be worn during sleeping hours and helps keep teeth protected and eases jaw strain. Orthodontic treatments such as braces and retainers may also be used to address misalignments, which may be contributing to bruxism. 

Monitoring Progress and Follow‑Up

If your child is experiencing bruxism, one important step you can take as a parent is to assist them with keeping a sleep diary. Consistently adding to the diary (feel free to use a smartphone app or a notes app for convenience) can help track noise levels, jaw discomfort, and headache frequency over time to see if conditions are worsening or improving. 

Additionally, be sure to schedule regular dental checkups to track enamel wear and guard fit, and discuss with your child’s dentist any potential adjustments that are needed to night guards and treatment plans, as children’s natural growth can change the bite alignment.

Pediatric Dental Appointments Available at Ideal Dental

Spotting teeth-grinding signs early in kids and teens can prevent significant dental damage and discomfort. Parents, dentists, and pediatricians can work together on developing a treatment plan, correcting bite misalignment, incorporating protective devices, and managing stress in kids experiencing bruxism. 

With prompt attention and consistent treatment, most young patients can outgrow bruxism without any lasting harm. If you feel your child may be experiencing bruxism, contact your local Ideal Dental today to schedule a consultation.