5 Warning Signs Your Child’s Teeth Grinding Needs Immediate Attention

Prevalence of Tooth Grinding

The chances are high that you’ve experienced the side effects of grinding your teeth. In fact, it’s thought that 1 out of 3 people deal with teeth grinding throughout the day and 1 out of 10 during the night. You know how it goes: you wake up to get ready for work, and your jaw won’t stop aching, you don’t feel rested, and you might even have a headache. It can happen for a plethora of reasons, some of which are stress or anxiety-related.

Did you know that bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common problem in children as well? Occasional tooth grinding is incredibly common among both children and adults, but if your child is dealing with ongoing symptoms, it means it can cause more problems if not taken care of. 

So what are the things I should watch for when it comes to my child?

We hear you, and we’re ready with 5 of the common symptoms to watch for if your child is grinding their teeth.

1. Complaints of Jaw Pain or Headaches

If anyone spends the night grinding their teeth, it’s going to lead to a long morning. With children, they aren’t always the best at communicating this. Instead, you might notice them complaining of a sore jaw at breakfast or mentioning they have headaches. These can vary from light, barely noticeable discomfort, to a morning filled with tears. The hope is that this pain dissipates by lunch, but sometimes it can be severe enough to last all day.

If this happens more often than not, your child might be grinding those teeth every night. This can lead to problems with the function of their teeth and jaws. If you’re worried about it, it never hurts to reach out to Dental Care Associates of Buffalo so we can help you see what is going on.

2. Worn or Flattened Teeth

If your child is grinding their teeth, it doesn’t always result in pain. In fact, the damage could happen without anyone noticing. If there is visible wear on the surface of your child’s teeth, the teeth will begin to look worn down. This is a strong indicator of chronic grinding, whether your child is aware of it or not. This damage can create issues with their eating, but also increase their chances of tooth decay. If you’re noticing worn teeth, be sure to reach out so we can see what can be done to prevent further damage to that precious smile. 

3. Disrupted Sleep or Restlessness

It’s not uncommon at all for kids to grind their teeth during the night. Because of this, it’s little surprise that this bruxism can interfere with their sleep quality. If your child is waking up tired or irritable more often than not, and you can’t figure out the cause, there is a chance it could be from grinding their teeth.

4. Tooth Sensitivity

Unfortunately, as someone grinds their teeth, it eats away at the tooth’s natural defense system: the enamel. Once this protective layer is gone, your child might complain about increased tooth sensitivity—especially to hot and cold. Increased sensitivity isn’t the only issue that goes hand-in-hand with worn enamel. It also drastically increases the child’s chances of tooth decay.

5. Audible Grinding Sounds at Night

Parents tend to watch their kids sleep. It’s a sweet moment where they are in a single place, calm, and we can just smile at them without having to worry about much of anything. However, if you hear those teeth grinding, it’s a sign that their bruxism is more severe than you or your child realizes. It’s important to contact us at Dental Care Associates of Buffalo to get help where it’s needed before the problems grow too advanced.

Can it just be temporary? 

It’s not uncommon for bruxism to start because of a stressful situation at home or school. If you suspect this, starting with a calming bedtime routine can do the trick. Try some meditation, or even yoga, to help get your kiddo calm enough for bedtime. Not only might this help their teeth grinding, but it can also help that bedtime routine go smoothly. 

Time for an appointment!

Whether you notice any of the above symptoms or suspect your child is grinding their teeth for other reasons, it’s important to schedule a consultation with us. The goal is to solve the problem before it gets out of hand. Early treatment can vary, and often involves custom oral appliances. These can help protect your child’s smile for the long term, ensuring it’s still there for them every step of the way, for years to come.

Do you have any questions, or are you ready to schedule that appointment? You book an appointment easily online! Remember, we’re always here to help your family’s smiles be the best they can be.