Can Childhood Bruxism Damage Teeth? Signs and Prevention Tips

Bruxism is a common condition in children which involves grinding their teeth or clenching their jaw often whilst they are sleeping. Most children stop grinding their teeth once their adult teeth start coming out, usually without any lasting effects. 

There are many causes of bruxism including misalignment issues of the teeth and pain from teething. Stress or anxiety can trigger bruxism, as can certain medical conditions. This includes cerebral palsy or ADHD. 

The symptoms of bruxism mainly include grinding noises whilst your child is sleeping and sometimes a sore jaw in the morning. If you are concerned then it is always advisable to visit your dentist who will be able to tell whether it is a significant issue or whether your child will most likely grow out of it. If your child grinds their teeth severely then this can cause excessive wear and tear and even breaking of the teeth.

The Effects of Bruxism on Children’s Teeth

Enamel Wear and Tooth Damage

If it is severe, bruxism can affect your child’s dental health. It can cause excessive wear and tear of the tooth enamel. This is because the constant grinding or clenching erodes the enamel leading to increased risk of cavities and tooth decay. It compromises the overall integrity of the tooth structure, and may also result in sensitivity. If you notice any signs of cavities or your child complains of sensitivity then it is important to speak to your dentist early on to prevent irreversible complications. 

Increased Risk of Tooth Fractures and Chips

Bruxism can increase the risk of your child’s teeth becoming chipped or fractured. As the enamel of the tooth is worn down the tooth itself becomes weaker and this can become a particular risk for children. Chips or fractures can cause a lot of pain and require extensive dental intervention. Not only does it affect the appearance of your child’s teeth but it can also cause a lot of discomfort. Again, it is important that you seek early intervention to avoid these issues.

Impact on Jaw and Misalignment Issues

Long term bruxism can result in misalignment issues of the teeth and affect your child’s jaw. 

Misalignment issues result in orthodontic concerns such as crooked and wonky teeth, overlapping teeth or overcrowding of the teeth. Your child may require orthodontic treatment  later as a result of long-term bruxism in childhood. 

Excess force and strain of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull can result in TMJ disorders. These disorders can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and earaches.

Detecting Signs of Bruxism in Children

Common Symptoms Observed

The most common and obvious symptom of bruxism is the sound of teeth grinding or clenching in your child’s sleep. By carrying out regular nighttime checks on your children, you can look out for such signs. Other less apparent symptoms include jaw pain and morning headaches caused as a result of the constant grinding and clenching. Dental signs to look out for include sensitivity or visible damage such as chips and cracks in the teeth. Some children may also create clicking sounds from the TMJ.

Behavioral and Psychological Indicators

Studies show that bruxism can occur in children who are affected by stress or anxiety. It is more common in children with behavioral and psychological factors than others. It is important that you look for signs of stress or factors which may be worrying your child. This could include trouble at school, separation anxiety and major life changes. Children who are affected by ADHD are commonly found to be affected by bruxism. Also children with hyperactivity disorders and aggression may also be  more prone to grinding their teeth.

Observations from Dental Check-Ups

It is important to visit the dentist regularly with your children, at least once every six months and more often if they are affected by dental health complications. At the checkup your dentist will be able to look for any signs of bruxism. Excess wear and tear of the teeth may indicate that your child is grinding their teeth in the night. Chips and cracks are another indicator.

If you are aware that your child is grinding their teeth then your dentist will be able to make sure that they are not causing any damage and will advise accordingly. If necessary your dentist might recommend a polysomnography (an overnight sleep study) to exclude other sleep disorders that could be causing the bruxism.

Prevention and Management of Childhood Bruxism

Stress Reduction Techniques

As mentioned, stress and anxiety are a common trigger of bruxism in children. If your child is suffering from stress then it is important to explore stress reduction strategies to help manage their symptoms and improve their mental health and well-being. This can help reduce bruxism and the effects it has on your child’s teeth. Examples include relaxation exercises like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Mindfulness practices, including guided meditations, can also help lower stress and maintain a relaxed state.

Parents can also encourage calming hobbies such as art, reading, or gardening, to help lower your child’s stress levels. A consistent bedtime routine that includes relaxing activities, such as a bedtime story or listening to lullabies, can enhance sleep quality and also reduce bruxism.

Use of Protective Mouthguards

If your child suffers from severe bruxism then you may wish to speak to your dentist and find out about a protective mouthguard. A mouthguard is one of the most effective methods of protecting your child’s teeth from the effects of bruxism. It is worn over the teeth and helps maintain separation between the top and bottom teeth to prevent any damage from grinding or clenching. Mouthguards, available in hard plastic or soft materials, are custom-fitted to ensure both comfort and efficacy. They can help reduce the symptoms of bruxism significantly.

Medical and Dental Interventions

If your child suffers from bruxism as a result of a medical or psychological condition, then it is important to speak to your dentist or doctor who will be able to offer additional support.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic methods may be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety in children and therefore alleviating bruxism. In rare cases, sleep medicine could be prescribed if bruxism is causing sleep disturbances.

By speaking to your doctor or dentistry will be able to exclude or address any underlying conditions contributing to the bruxism.

Talk to your dentist

Bruxism is a common childhood disorder which involves grinding and clenching of the teeth during sleep. Although it is often harmless, when severe it can cause significant damage to the teeth and result in long-term oral health complications.

It is important to identify the cause of bruxism as this can differ from child to child.  Once the cause is identified it is easier to intervene and reduce or alleviate the symptoms. Bruxism is more common in children with behavioral disorders and also can be triggered by stress and anxiety. To prevent damage to your child’s teeth you can speak to your dentist about a mouth guard or appropriate medical or dental intervention. 

As a parent you can look out for the symptoms and inform your dentist or when you visit your identities for a regular checkup they will be able to identify tell-tale signs. 

If you have any concerns or your child is displaying symptoms of bruxism then speak to your dentist sooner rather than later to avoid the harmful effects that bruxism can have on your child’s teeth.