Category: Teeth grinding

If you’ve noticed your little one grinding their teeth while sleeping or playing, you’re not alone. This oftentimes concerning behavior, known as bruxism, is particularly common in our kiddos, but it doesn’t make it any less alarming to witness. So, in today’s pediatric dentistry mystery, our Overland Park dentist is here to explain bruxism.

Do you have questions about your child’s growing smile? Dr. Matthew Hillman and his friendly team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids are here to help. Contact our pediatric dentist in Overland Park, KS, at (913) 685-9990 for answers, advice, and so much more!

Now, let’s unravel this dental mystery together and explore why kids grind their teeth and what you can do to help them.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is the technical term for teeth grinding or clenching. Bruxism can happen during the day, but it’s more common at night when your child is fast asleep.

Experts believe that up to 49% of kiddos experience teeth grinding in some way. Luckily, most children grow out of this behavior as they get older. 

Why do kids grind their teeth?

It’s hard to know for sure, but there are a few theories about childhood bruxism:

Growing Pains

As children’s jaws grow and their teeth come in, they might grind to help their mouths adjust. Think of it as nature’s way of getting things to fit just right.

Stress and Anxiety

Just like adults, children can experience stress and anxiety. Maybe it’s that upcoming spelling bee, a change in routine, or even something as thrilling as a new sibling. Grinding can be an unconscious way to deal with big feelings.

Alignment Issues 

Sometimes, misaligned teeth or an irregular bite can cause bruxism. If the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together correctly, the jaw might shift and grind to find a comfortable position.

Medical Conditions and Medications

Certain medications and conditions (like cerebral palsy or ADHD) can contribute to teeth grinding.

How can parents help?

There are several steps you can take to manage and reduce bruxism in your child:

Create a Calming Bedtime Routine

Creating a serene environment can ease anxiety and reduce nighttime grinding. So, try warm baths, bedtime stories, and soft music. 

Talk it Out 

If stress or anxiety seems to be the culprit, encourage your child to talk about their worries. Sometimes, a simple conversation can work wonders.

Check for Alignment Issues

Regular dental check-ups are crucial. Dr. Matt can check for alignment issues and monitor your child’s dental development. 

Introduce a Night Guard 

A night guard is like a cozy little helmet for your child’s teeth. Worn during sleep, it can protect those chompers from the wear and tear of grinding. 

Stay Vigilant

Keep an eye on your child’s symptoms. Are they waking up with headaches or jaw pain? Are their teeth looking worn down? Keeping track of these signs can help Dr. Matt provide the best care possible.

Address Childhood Teeth Grinding with Dr. Matt

If your child’s bruxism is persistent or causing significant discomfort, it’s time to enlist the help of the team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids. Contact Dr. Matt Hillman online, or call our Overland Park, KS, dentist at (913) 685-9990 for more advice and information. 

You’ve likely heard of TMJ disorder, a common cause of jaw pain and malfunction. But if your child complains of facial pain, you may assume that it’s not TMD. After all, that’s not a common complaint among kids, is it? Actually, TMJ disorder is far more prevalent among children and adolescents than it is among adults. Fortunately, most cases of pediatric TMD are quite mild and require minimal treatment, such as self-care or a night guard. It’s only in rare, severe cases that more dramatic treatment is required.

If your child has complained of jaw pain, the team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS, can diagnose the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment. And if your child has a more advanced case, we can collaborate with their entire care team to ensure a comprehensive continuum of treatment. 

Contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids to schedule a diagnostic consultation. 

What is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the temporomandibular joints, or TMJs. These joints are located on either side of the jaw and connect the lower jaw to the skull. 

It’s easy to assume that kids are unlikely to suffer from TMD, but in fact, the condition is very common among younger patients. In fact, it can affect up to 20 to 60% of children and is more common among girls than boys. 

What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?

If your child complains of any of the following symptoms, they may have TMD:

• Jaw or facial pain
• Stiffness in the jaw
• A clicking noise when they open or close their mouth
• Problems opening or closing the mouth
• A locked jaw
• Ringing in the ears
• Frequent headaches
• Earaches

What causes TMD in kids?

Bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching, is one of the most common reasons for TMD. Although you may sometimes notice your child grinding their teeth, it is more likely happening at night.

Stress can also play a huge role in the development of TMD, especially since it increases the likelihood of bruxism. This is increasingly a huge concern, as incidents of childhood depression and anxiety increased from 5.4% in 2003 to 8.4% in 2011-2012. 

Jaw and dental misalignment can also lead to TMJ disorder. When the teeth do not meet properly, this places uneven pressure on the TMJs, leading to strain and joint damage. 

How is TMJ disorder treated?

The treatment for your child’s TMD will depend on the cause and severity of the condition. In many cases, particularly for children, rest and self-care is enough. This may include a short-term soft diet, ice and heat packs, and relaxation exercises. 

If bruxism is the cause of your child’s jaw pain, Dr. Matt or Dr. Craven may recommend an oral appliance to be worn at night. Since bruxism is often a side effect of anxiety, you may also want to consider counseling or therapy.

For overall jaw or bite misalignment, orthodontic treatment may be required. In very severe cases, jaw surgery may be necessary, but this is quite rare.

Contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids Today

If you believe your child may be suffering from TMJ disorder, schedule a consultation today.

Contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids online or call (913) 685-9990.