Why Is My Child Grinding Their Teeth at Night?

Parents are always alert when something seems to be “off” with their child. Somehow they know it, and that’s the beauty of being a parent. That’s when you start hearing a teeth grinding noise when they sleep. That would be enough to set any parent’s teeth on edge. That loud, rhythmic scraping noise that sounds like rocks rubbing together.

What is teeth grinding?

Magnify Dental Clinic, a reliable pediatric dental center in Dubai can help you clear this issue. They will tell you this condition, known as teeth grinding (bruxism). Clinically, bruxism, and is very common among children. It is normal for children to grind their teeth at some point during their childhood, especially when they sleep. This could go away as your child grows up but sometimes, it could get worse. So, it would help to understand why it is happening, making it easier for you to deal with the situation. It would also be the first step in ensuring your child’s long-term oral health.

The reason for bruxism could be: habit, stress, something more complex. The dentists at the clinic break down the real reasons behind teeth grinding.

How Can The Pediatric Dental Center In Dubai Help Solve Bruxism

Bruxism in adults can be treated using standard night guards. But for children, the dentists don’t usually prescribe them as these can inhibit the growth of the jaw. Instead it is important to focus on the root cause so you can nip the problem in the bud. So here’s what the dentists would be doing to:

• Give a Precise Diagnosis: The dentist would check the wear patterns on the teeth, and even the wear patterns to see if the grinding is current or has been going on for some time.
• Airway Assessment: Grinding could also be due to tonsil and adenoid issues. If there is a problem, the dentist will discuss with ENT specialists to solve the breathing problem. Once the respiratory problem is solved, you can stop the grinding naturally.
• Stress Management: If your child is stressed or anxious about something, the dentist would guide parents on relaxation techniques and sleep hygiene so they can make the child relaxed before bed.

Children grow out of this teeth grinding situation, but watch out for these situations too:

Wear & Tear of Teeth: Teeth look flat, chipped, or worn down; you can even see the yellow dentin.

Pain: Jaw soreness, earaches, or headaches in the morning can be because of teeth grinding too.

Sleep Issues: Respiratory issues lead to snoring, poor sleep, or breathing through the mouth.

Sensitivity: Sensitivity while eating hot or cold foods

Bruxism can also be due to teething

If you observe grinding during their teething phase, that’s entirely normal. As new teeth erupt, they might feel irritation or itchiness in the gums. Your child might use grinding as a way to get rid of that irritation, or  maybe they are just exploring how this new sensation feels like, especially if they are awake while doing this.

If that’s the case, then the grinding is temporary and they will get over it. However, keep a watch out, because if they don’t stop, then you will have to seek professional help at the pediatric dental center in Dubai.