Tooth grinding, or bruxism, is fairly common among children. Somewhere between fifteen and thirty-three percent of children grind their teeth. This generally occurs at two times: when their baby teeth are erupting, and when their permanent teeth replace their baby teeth. Most children quickly lose the habit after the discomfort of tooth eruption passes, but some will continue to grind after they have a complete set of teeth. Should this occur, our Lynnwood dentistry clinic offers the following tips:
- First, you’ll need to identify your child’s grinding problem. Most children who grind their teeth will only do so at night, so be on the lookout. Does your child complain of headaches or a sore jaw? Check on them while they sleep to listen for grinding.
- If your child is grinding, stress may be the culprit. Work on reducing his or her stress, particularly before bed.
- Encourage your child to relax his or her muscles by massaging or stretching their muscles.
- Tooth grinding can be linked to dehydration. Assure that your child is drinking enough water.
- Tell your dentist about your child’s tooth grinding problem. He or she may be able to identify the source of the problem in the form of pain or discomfort in the teeth, or provide a means to overcome the effects of the grinding.
