Don’t overlook your child’s teeth grinding.

As a parent, you strive to understand every aspect of your children’s health, but there is a silent struggle that can easily go unnoticed amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life—bruxism. It may seem benign, a simple habit even, but frequently grinding and clenching teeth can be a physical manifestation of emotional stress or anxiety in children.

If left untreated, bruxism can potentially lead to serious oral health issues and negatively impact your child’s overall well-being. By learning how to recognize this stress signal and understanding its implications, you can help your child lead a healthier, happier life.

What is bruxism, and how is it linked to stress?

Bruxism, in the simplest terms, is a behavior characterized by grinding and clenching teeth, often unconsciously, while sleeping, or even subconsciously, during the daytime. Now, how does stress fit into the equation? Let’s take a closer look.

In children, stress often reveals itself through physical signs before emotional ones. It’s like the body’s emergency alarm, letting us know that something isn’t quite right. Just as an adult might experience a tension headache or tightness in the chest during stressful times, children have their own ways of physically expressing their inner turmoil. Bruxism is one of those signals.

Childhood is a time of tremendous growth and learning, but it can also be a period of stress and anxiety. Factors such as school pressure, social challenges, family changes, or even the fear of the monster under the bed can instigate stress, which can turn into the nighttime or daytime grinding of their little teeth.

But how can you tell if your child is wrestling with this often subtle problem? Common symptoms include complaints of facial pain, headaches upon waking, unexplained wear of the teeth, and a grinding sound while they sleep. In some cases, kids might also have trouble sleeping and exhibit changes in their eating habits.

What are the risks of untreated bruxism in children?

When bruxism goes unnoticed and untreated, it can eventually lead to issues affecting a child’s oral, physical, and mental health. By learning what these risks are, you can better understand why a diagnosis and swift treatment is so important.

1. Severe Dental Damage

Fractured and chipped teeth are a prevalent result of the excessive pressure exerted during teeth grinding. The persistent grinding can also cause teeth to become worn down, leading to a significant reduction in the protective enamel layer. This leaves the teeth vulnerable to sensitivities and cavities.

In more severe cases, bruxism can even contribute to receding gums, as the extreme grinding force impacts not only the teeth but also the surrounding gum tissue. This might cause the gums to pull away from the teeth and increase risk of developing pediatric gum disease.

2. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Another significant risk associated with untreated bruxism in children is the development of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). This condition arises when the temporomandibular joint, connecting the jawbone to the skull, becomes strained or damaged. Excessive teeth grinding and clenching exert an undue amount of stress on this joint, leading to its dysfunction over time.

TMD can cause a myriad of uncomfortable and, in some cases, debilitating symptoms. These include persistent jaw pain or tenderness, difficulty chewing, and a popping or locking of the joint that can restrict jaw movement. In addition, TMD can also cause headaches, earaches, and facial pain, all of which can have a detrimental impact on a child’s overall comfort and quality of life.

3. Eating Disorders

Untreated bruxism in children can be a precursor to eating disorders due to the discomfort and pain associated with persistent teeth grinding.

Tooth sensitivity and tooth or jaw pain make it difficult for children to chew and swallow food comfortably. This discomfort can inadvertently lead to a fear of eating, initiating patterns of food avoidance and restrictive eating. Malnutrition from a lack of nutrient absorption typically follows.

4. Poor Mental Health

Chronic teeth grinding can exacerbate existing feelings of stress and anxiety, creating a vicious cycle of mental distress. Additionally, the physical pain and discomfort caused by bruxism can further amplify these negative emotions, potentially leading to the onset of depressive episodes.

For older children and teens, the constant worrying about their dental health might also lead to heightened levels of anxiety. Therefore, early intervention in children with bruxism is crucial not only for their dental well-being but also for their mental health.

5. Sleep Problems

Bruxism often transpires during nighttime while children are asleep and unaware of their actions. This nocturnal activity can severely disrupt sleep patterns, leading to a host of sleep problems. Children with bruxism may experience frequent awakenings or arousals during the night due to the discomfort caused by intense teeth clenching and grinding.

Over time, this can result in fragmented and non-restorative sleep, leading to daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and poor performance in day-to-day activities. The persistent noise from teeth grinding can also disturb the sleep of others in the same room or household.

How can stress-related bruxism be managed?

Managing stress-related bruxism in children requires a multi-pronged approach that includes emotional support, teaching stress-management techniques, and using preventive measures to protect their teeth from further damage.

Here are some strategies that parents can implement.

1. Open Communication: Encourage your child to express their worries and fears. Open lines of communication ensure your child feels heard and understood, which can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
2. Relaxation Techniques: Teach your child different relaxation methods, such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or even simple yoga stretches. These techniques can help lower stress levels and promote relaxation at bedtime, reducing the likelihood of teeth grinding during sleep.
3. Supportive Environment: Create a calm and supportive environment at home where your child feels safe and comfortable. This involves maintaining consistent routines, providing plenty of opportunities for play and relaxation, and offering reassurance during stressful times.

If needed, finding a mental health professional they can speak to is also part of ensuring your child has a supportive environment.

4. Nightguards: As a preventive measure, consider the use of nightguards to protect your child’s teeth from the damaging effects of bruxism. Nightguards act as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding against each other during sleep.

Must Love Kids, a favorite pediatric dentistry practice in Vancouver, can help your child by providing properly fitted nightguards. We understand the unique needs of children and can offer solutions that are both effective and comfortable.

Schedule a bruxism assessment at Must Love Kids in Vancouver, WA.

Managing stress in children and caring for their oral health is a crucial part of their general wellness, so if you notice signs of bruxism in your child, don’t hesitate to get them assessed. As your trusted dentist for kids, Must Love Kids is dedicated to offering comprehensive solutions tailored to your child’s unique needs. We invite you to schedule an appointment today—let’s protect those precious smiles together!