Do Children Grind Their Teeth?

About 15-33% of children grind their teeth during sleep between the ages of three and ten, but most of them stop grinding their teeth by age thirteen. Studies show that children who grind their teeth tend to do so at two peak times; when their baby teeth emerge and when permanent teeth come in according to Anna Lee, D.D.S at Glendora Dentistry. 

No one knows the exact cause of why children grind their teeth. A possible cause is the irregular contacts between upper and lower teeth when children have mixed dentition (baby teeth and permanent teeth). Another cause may be stress and anxiety.

Complications of Bruxism

In most cases, bruxism does not cause serious complications. But severe bruxism may lead to these possible problems.

- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Problems

- Damage to the teeth or jaw

-Facial Pain

-Tension-type headaches

Prevention of bruxism: 

-Avoid eating hard foods like nuts and chips

-Avoid chewing gum, makes you more likely to grind your teeth

-Avoid alcohol, intensifies grinding after alcohol consumption

-Avoid foods and drinks that contain caffeine; increases grinding during sleep

Anna Lee, D.D.S.