Bruxism in Children

Bruxism in children. Find out what Bruxism means and how it can affect children and teenagers alike,

Bruxism in children is a common problem that has been faced by a number of people irrespective of their knowledge that they are suffering from Bruxism.

Bruxism is commonly known as grinding of the teeth.

The grinding of the teeth or clenching of the teeth is done as a result of anxiety.

Some studies have pointed this activity as a habit. Other has yet pointed it out to stomach and digestive disorders.

People grind their teeth, for the purpose of which, some of them make use of their incisors teeth yet others make use of their molars. People do it in the day or in the night while sleep; more often than not they do it sub-consciously.

The nighttime activity goes un-noticed by the sufferer, and at times it is quite loud that they wake up their sleeping partner.

What causes Bruxism in children

Teeth grinding, Bruxism, is a medical condition wherein a person unconsciously clenches his or her teeth, usually while asleep.

Teeth grinding is not merely a habit.

In fact, it is a condition that is currently being addressed by today’s medicine. Doctors believe that Bruxism is caused by a number of factors.

Here are five examples of the common causes of teeth grinding.

Stress can cause Bruxism in children

Stress is the most common reason for Bruxism. Most doctors suppose that stress is the primary cause of teeth grinding during sleep.

Stress can disrupt a persons sleeping cycle.

If a particular sleeping pattern is disrupted, the person ends up clenching their teeth unconsciously and intermittently during sleep.

This is where a lot of researchers are currently focusing on, as this explanation is the one most common.

Frustration and suppressed anger

There are many instances that a person clenches his fist or teeth if he is very angry with somebody or something.

Many psychologists believe that this is the reason why people clench their teeth during the day.

Suppressed anger is wrath a person cant let out. This can be quite hard to manage.

People who end up grinding their teeth in frustration or anger should consult with a qualified psychiatrist to address the problem.

Aggressive personality

This factor causing Bruxism is related to anger and frustration. Just like the former reason, this one also deals with one’s emotions.

But unlike suppressed anger, aggressiveness is expressed anger.

In this case, the person lets out all his frustration and anger towards the intended subject. This person may unconsciously grind their teeth in the process.

Abnormal alignment of teeth can cause Bruxism in children

The abnormal alignment of the upper and lower jaws is referred to as malocclusion.

This is one of the physical causes of teeth grinding.

Dental experts believe that if there is something abnormal about the structure of a persons teeth, they grind involuntarily against each other as they make contact.

While this is another feasible cause of Bruxism, it is yet to be confirmed with clinical studies.

Symptoms of Bruxism in children

Since teeth grinding takes place during sleep, it is nearly impossible to tell when you are suffering from it.

Usually it takes a sleeping partner to inform the sufferer of his or her problem, and that is only because the teeth grinding is keeping the partner awake.

If you or your parents have noticed symptoms of teeth grinding, you should discuss it with your dentist, who can usually confirm teeth grinding with an examination.

Your dentist will look for several signs of teeth grinding, including:

  • chewed tissue on inside of cheek
  • cracking of teeth
  • earaches caused by violent muscle contractions
  • flattened and worn-down teeth
  • ground down teeth
  • joint damage in the jaw or jaw tension
  • headache in the morning
  • loosened teeth
  • pain in the jaw joint and/or muscles
  • tooth sensitivity due to chipping of enamel.

These are few tips about how to diagnose Bruxism in children.

Connie Lachlan
Connie Lachlan

Dr. Connie Lachlan is a compassionate pediatrician with 15 years' experience in child health, specializing in chronic conditions and child development. Known for her preventive approach to healthcare, Dr. Lachlan actively contributes to pediatric research and community health education. Besides her professional commitments, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and volunteering for children's charities.

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