Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Bruxism is the clinical term for teeth grinding and it is often viewed as an annoying and harmless habit.  In reality, most children and adults develop bruxism because of unbearable anxiety and stress.

Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is a serious problem that can permanently change your child’s bite relationship.  It can even harm your child’s jaw and teeth over long periods of time.

Bruxims can wear down the tooth’s surfaces.  This wear and tear can cause structural tooth deformations, and it can result in loosened and prematurely aged teeth.  These factors can lead to teeth hypersensitivity (due to the abrasion and exposure of the dentin).  Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can also cause your child chronic facial and jaw pain.

Signs and symptoms of bruxism

• You notice small dents in your tongue.
• Your jaw is often sore, or you hear popping sounds when you open and close your mouth
• Your teeth look abnormally short or worn down.

There is available treatment for bruxism.  I may recommend that your child use a special mouth guard or biofeedback technology when he/she is sleeping.  I may also recommend tongue exercises as part of behavior modification methods.  I may also instruct your child on how to properly align the tongue, teeth, and lips.[1]

Teeth Grinding (bruxism)

Bruxism is the clinical term for teeth grinding and it is often viewed as an annoying and harmless habit.  In reality, most children and adults develop bruxism because of unbearable anxiety and stress. 

Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is a serious problem that can permanently change your child’s bite relationship.  It can even harm your child’s jaw and teeth over long periods of time. 

Bruxims can wear down the tooth’s surfaces.  This wear and tear can cause structural tooth deformations, and it can result in loosened and prematurely aged teeth.  These factors can lead to teeth hypersensitivity (due to the abrasion and exposure of the dentin).  Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can also cause your child chronic facial and jaw pain. 

Signs and symptoms of bruxism 

·  You notice small dents in your tongue.

·  Your jaw is often sore, or you hear popping sounds when you open and close your mouth

·  Your teeth look abnormally short or worn down. 

There is available treatment for bruxism.  I may recommend that your child use a special mouth guard or biofeedback technology when he/she is sleeping.  I may also recommend tongue exercises as part of behavior modification methods.  I may also instruct your child on how to properly align the tongue, teeth, and lips.[1]