Why do Kids Have a Habit of Grinding their Teeth?

Teeth grinding which is also known as bruxism, is when kids clench or grind their teeth, usually while they’re asleep. It can also happen during the daytime. This can make parents worry, but it's quite common and many children grow out of it as they get older.

Kids might grind their teeth for different reasons. It could be because of things like crooked teeth, or it could be due to stress and anxiety. Sometimes it’s just part of their development. Grinding can cause jaw pain. If not dealt with on time, it can cause even more serious dental problems ahead.

It’s important to understand why kids grind their teeth and figure out the causes to handle it properly. This article will explain the reasons for kids' teeth grinding, what signs to look for, and how to manage and reduce the habit. This blog is meant to help worried parents keep their child’s teeth healthy.

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism or teeth grinding happens when a child clenches or grinds their teeth, usually while they’re asleep but sometimes even during the day. It can be stressful for both kids and parents, but understanding what it means can help manage it better.

Bruxism is when a child repeatedly grinds or clenches their teeth, which can cause dental and health problems.

There are two types of bruxism:

Daytime bruxism, which happens while the child is awake and often due to stress or anxiety, and nighttime bruxism, which occurs during sleep, often without the child even knowing. The grinding might be loud. Though the exact reason is never clear at first but can be linked to various factors.

Bruxism is quite common in kids, with many children grinding their teeth at some point. It usually happens between ages 3 and 10, a time when kids are going through a lot of body changes. Most kids stop grinding their teeth as they grow older, but for some, it can continue into their teenage years or even adulthood.

What are the Reasons for Teeth Grinding in Kids?

Teeth grinding in kids, or bruxism, can happen for many reasons. Knowing these reasons is important for handling the problem well. Bruxism can be caused by a mix of physical, emotional, mental, and developmental factors.

Physical causes

Teething

Teething is a common reason for teeth grinding in young kids. When new teeth come in, they can make their gums uncomfortable. To avoid this discomfort, kids might grind their teeth to feel calm from the discomfort and pressure.

Misaligned teeth 

If a child’s teeth don’t line up properly, it can cause an uneven bite. This can make it hard for the child to close their mouth, so they might grind their teeth to find a better bite position. Over time, grinding can become a habit to deal with the discomfort from misaligned teeth.

Emotional and psychological causes

Stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety can also cause kids to grind their teeth. Like adults, children can feel stressed from things like school or problems with friends. When they can’t express their feelings, they grind their teeth to show their emotional pain. This kind of grinding usually happens while they’re asleep, but it can also happen during the day if they’re stressed.

Sleep disorder

Sleep problems can also cause teeth grinding. Kids with sleep issues might grind their teeth because their bodies are trying to cope with uneven sleep schedules.

Hyperactivity

Kids who have excessive energy or are very active might be more likely to grind their teeth. Their extra energy and restlessness can lead to teeth grinding. In these cases, grinding might be a way for them to deal with their hyperactivity or use up some of their extra energy.

Behavioral and Developmental causes

Normal developmental phase

For many kids, teeth grinding is just a normal part of growing up. It’s common for young children to grind their teeth because their teeth and jaws are still developing. Often, this behavior is just a phase that they outgrow as they get older and their teeth and emotions settle down.

Habitual behaviors

Teeth grinding can become a regular habit, even if it didn’t start because of a specific problem. Once a child begins grinding their teeth, it might just become a routine thing they do. Some children even like to grind their teeth because of the sound.  In these cases, breaking the habit might need special treatment.

Additional causes

Genetics

Genetics might also be a factor in teeth grinding. Some research suggests that if bruxism runs in the family, kids might be more likely to grind their teeth too.

Side effects of medicines

Some medications can cause teeth grinding as a side effect. For example, medicines that affect the brain or change sleep patterns might lead to grinding. So before you give any medicines to your child, make sure they are properly checked.

Symptoms of Teeth Grinding

Here’s a detailed look at the common symptoms of bruxism:

Jaw pain

One of the most common symptoms of bruxism is pain or discomfort in the jaw. Children may complain of a sore jaw or have difficulty opening their mouths wide. The grinding action can strain the muscles around the jaw, leading to discomfort.

Earache

It can sometimes cause pain in the ears. Although the grinding occurs in the mouth, the strain on the jaw and surrounding muscles can lead to pain. This can be stressful for parents, as the ear pain might not always be related to an ear infection.

Headache

Frequent teeth grinding can result in headaches. The constant clenching and grinding can create stress in the muscles around the head, which may lead to headaches.

Disrupted sleep

Nighttime bruxism can disrupt a child’s sleep. The grinding noise may be loud enough to disturb their sleep cycle, leading to frequent awakenings or restless sleep. This can result in daytime laziness and affect the child’s mood and behavior.

Tooth Sensitivity

Grinding can wear down the enamel which is the protective outer layer of the teeth. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, where the child might have pain when consuming hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks.

Final Takeaway

While bruxism can be a little concerning, it can be manageable with the right approach.

Through understanding its causes and implementing its effective treatment, parents can help their child to maintain healthy teeth. If you seek professional help on time, then it may not lead to any serious dental problems. 

Federal Way Pediatric Dentistry specializes in providing dental care for children and adolescents. We focus on creating a comfortable and welcoming environment to make dental visits enjoyable for kids.

We also deal in pediatric sedation dentistry, pediatric cosmetic dentistry, and Medicaid pediatric dentistry in Federal Way. Contact us now for our services.

FAQs

Q1. Is teeth grinding common in children?

A1. Yes, it’s quite common and many children grind their teeth at some point. They often stop this habit as they grow.

Q2. When do teeth grinding usually start in children?

A2. Teeth grinding can start as early as age 3 and often continues until around age 10.

Q3.What are the signs that a child is grinding their teeth?

A3. Signs include noisy grinding sounds at night, jaw pain, headaches, or worn-down teeth. If you see any of these signs in your child, make sure to visit a pediatric dentist on time.