This information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical treatment. You should speak to your physician or make an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about this information or your medical condition. Exención de responsabilidad en Español | Complete disclaimer
Tooth grinding, or bruxism, happens when a child clenches his teeth and grinds them together.
The cause of tooth grinding is not known. It may be because the child's top and bottom teeth do not fit together comfortably. The child may grind his teeth to make the teeth feel better. Later this may become a habit. Children may grind their teeth because they feel tense, fearful, or angry. Children could have an allergy or a nutritional problem. Bruxism may be related to moving the muscles used in chewing. This may help to keep the airway moist.
Tooth grinding is most common in children around the ages of 5 and 6, however it can occur at any age. It decreases in the teen years and is not common in adults.
The symptoms of bruxism may include:
Almost all children who grind their teeth do it only at night. Grinding the teeth during the daytime is more of a concern than if the child is doing it only at night.
Usually the wear to teeth from grinding does not harm the teeth. The baby teeth (also called primary teeth) can show a lot of wear to their surfaces without causing pain or other problems.
If the teeth get very worn down, dental problems, such as tooth infections, can occur. Keep appointments for routine checkups. See your dentist if your child has pain.
If you or your child's healthcare provider sees wear on the tooth surface, it is important to see a dentist who specializes in children. Dentists can polish the teeth to make them fit together more comfortably or make a special mouth guard that is usually worn at night to keep your child from wearing away the teeth.
Even though emotional upsets are not a proven cause of grinding, it is a good idea to help children talk about how they feel, especially tension, fear, or anger. Do this as part of the bedtime routine. For example, when your child is telling you about his day, ask some questions about how those events made him feel. While this may not help with your child's tooth grinding, it lets him know that you care about how he feels. It is probably best not to draw attention to the tooth grinding itself.
Most children will stop tooth grinding on their own without the need for special treatments. Mention tooth grinding to your child's dentist at your child's next regular appointment.
