Bruxism is the condition in which people grind, clench, or grind their teeth. The condition can cause headaches, jaw pain, and soreness of the jaw muscles. Bruxism can also be embarrassing when it occurs in public places. Several factors may contribute to bruxism, including heredity, stress, frustration, anger, clenching teeth due to improper chewing of food, and tooth wear. So, the sooner you see the symptoms, the better you take your child to a dentist in Los Gatos.
Many children will experience grinding of their teeth or bruxism in some way. The reasons for this can vary from stress to lack of sleep. If not addressed, this can lead to great discomfort and even damage to the jaw or teeth. When you visit a dentist to treat bruxism, it is important to determine if any underlying factors are present.
Main Symptoms of Bruxism
Grinding of teeth or bruxism in children can be a serious health problem. A child will grind their teeth if they are very stressed, agitated, or frustrated. However, the most common symptom of bruxism is excessive wear on the teeth and gum damage. There is also an increased risk for headaches, neck pain, jaw pain, jaw joint problems, and ear infections. Bruxism can also lead to sleep disruption which can then lead to behavioral issues like mood swings and attention deficit disorder (ADD).
In short, the main symptoms of bruxism in children are:
- Injured gums and teeth
- Frequent headaches
- Loud grinding of teeth
- Rhythmic clenching of jaw muscles
- Painful jaw muscles
- Tooth sensitivity
Main Causes of Bruxism
Bruxism can be caused due to a variety of reasons. Some of the major causes of bruxism are as follows.
- Bad bite
- Jaw misalignment
- Response to life stressors
- Developmental disorders
- Brain injury
- Side effects of certain medications
Treatment for Bruxism
Treatment for bruxism in children includes night guards which are worn at night to protect teeth from damage. One should also limit stimulants near bedtime and avoid beverages before bedtime to decrease the likelihood of tooth wear. If the cause for bruxism in your child is a misalignment of teeth, then treatment options include altering the biting surface and occlusal treatment. In contrast, professional therapy and relaxation classes can rescue your child from bruxism if its root cause is stress. Dentists usually suggest nighttime mouth guard only if the affected child’s teeth are sustaining significant damage.
