Why Does My Child Grind Their Teeth at Night?

  
      In this page
      
    Progress0%

Bruxism, or the grinding of teeth, is remarkably common in children and adults. For some children, this tooth grinding is limited to daytime hours, but nighttime grinding (during sleep) is most prevalent. Bruxism can lead to a wide range of dental problems, depending on the frequency of the behavior, the intensity of the grinding, and the underlying causes of the grinding.

A wide range of psychological, physiological, and physical factors may lead children to brux. In particular, jaw misalignment (bad bite), stress, and traumatic brain injury are all thought to contribute to bruxism, although grinding can also occur as a side effect of certain medications.

What are some symptoms of bruxism?

In general, parents can usually hear intense grinding – especially when it occurs at nighttime. Subtle daytime jaw clenching and grinding, however, can be difficult to pinpoint. Oftentimes, general symptoms provide clues as to whether or not the child is bruxing, including:

Frequent complaints of headache.
Injured teeth and gums.
Loud grinding or clicking sounds.
Rhythmic tightening or clenching of the jaw muscles.
Unusual complaints about painful jaw muscles – especially in the morning.
Unusual tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods.

How can bruxism damage my child’s teeth?

Bruxism is characterized by the grinding of the upper jaw against the lower jaw. Especially in cases where there is vigorous grinding, the child may experience moderate to severe jaw discomfort, headaches, and ear pain. Even if the child is completely unaware of nighttime bruxing (and parents are unable to hear it), the condition of the teeth provides your pediatric dentist with important clues.

First, chronic grinders usually show an excessive wear pattern on the teeth. If jaw misalignment is the cause, tooth enamel may be worn down in specific areas. In addition, children who brux are more susceptible to chipped teeth, facial pain, gum injury, and temperature sensitivity. In extreme cases, frequent, harsh grinding can lead to the early onset of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

What causes bruxism?

Bruxism can be caused by several different factors. Most commonly, “bad bite” or jaw misalignment promotes grinding. Pediatric dentists also notice that children tend to brux more frequently in response to life stressors. If the child is going through a particularly stressful exam period or is relocating to a new school for example, nighttime bruxing may either begin or intensify.

Children with certain developmental disorders and brain injuries may be at particular risk for grinding. In such cases, your pediatric dentist may suggest botulism injections to calm the facial muscles, or provide a protective nighttime mouthpiece. If the onset of bruxing is sudden, current medications need to be evaluated. Though bruxing is a rare side effect of specific medications, the medication itself may need to be switched for an alternate brand.

How is bruxism treated?

Bruxing spontaneously ceases by the age of thirteen in the majority of children. In the meantime however, your pediatric dentist will continually monitor its effect on the child’s teeth and may provide an interventional strategy.

In general, the cause of the grinding dictates the treatment approach. If the child’s teeth are badly misaligned, your pediatric dentist may take steps to correct this. Some of the available options include: altering the biting surface of teeth with crowns, and beginning occlusal treatment.

If bruxing seems to be exacerbated by stress, your pediatric dentist may recommend relaxation classes, professional therapy, or special exercises. The child’s pediatrician may also provide muscle relaxants to alleviate jaw clenching and reduce jaw spasms.

In cases where young teeth are sustaining significant damage, your pediatric dentist may suggest a specialized nighttime dental appliance such as a nighttime mouth guard. Mouth guards stop tooth surfaces from grinding against each other, and look similar to a mouthpiece a person might wear during sports. Bite splints or bite plates fulfill the same function and are almost universally successful in preventing grinding damage.

If you have questions or concerns about bruxism or grinding teeth, please contact our office.

Our Reviews

What Our Patients Say

From first visit to lasting results, our patients share what it's like to receive personalized, holistic dental care at Stunning Smiles in Santa Rosa.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 136 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Deck Julio 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The experience of getting dental implants with Dr. Attri was life changing. he was very informative and didn't upset me at all during the treatment and afterwards checked on my healing progress. The implants are so similar to my own teeth that I can eat and smile with confidence once again. Thanks to his well-thought-out strategy.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Vickie Miles 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was treated for a gum disease and was treated well during the entire treatment. The dentist informed me the reason for the problem and provided me with very clear instructions on how to take better care of my gums at home. It was done with great care and I have seen a definite difference since then.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Patti Barrett 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent dentist! On vacation & had the bonded plug over the screw head of my implant come out, after having it installed by my dentist less than a month ago. I arrived as a walk-in when they opened & the dentist fixed it right away. The office staff was super nice & chill. The dentist was gentle & caring. The office was clean & welcoming. Not the vacation excursion I was expecting but still a pleasant experience. I was so appreciative of them fitting me in for the repair.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alyssa 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been coming here since last year when I moved to the area, and wanted to find a holistic dentist. Dr. Attri is amazing! He fixed a lot of dental issues I’d been having and truly changed my smile. He’s also incredibly kind and caring. All of the staff are so wonderful too. I couldn’t recommend enough
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Don Weaver 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was referred to Dr. Attri from my naturopathic doctor friends in Santa Rosa, and in my few interactions with him so far, I’ve found him to be very friendly and knowledgeable. I recently had my first “major” work done with him, which was getting a precise impression for a crown to place over an implant, then having him fit the crown. As far as I can tell, he did it all perfectly, and my chronic jaw pain (from not having a matching back molar on the left side) has subsided greatly. I chose Dr. Attri for this work both because I think he is very trustworthy and competent, and also because his price for a crown was very helpfully lower than what my other outstanding dentist in Berkeley was going to charge. I am grateful to have found Dr. Attri and his Stunning Smiles practice in Santa Rosa and, from experience to date, I recommend him.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amy Breckenridge 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Attri and his staff are professional, kind and knowledgeable.  Best care in Santa Rosa, Ca.  If you have any fears , Dr. Attri and staff will put your mind to rest!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nancy Lazark 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am happy to write a review for Dr. Attri. I find him to be very gentle and thorough. I have had quite a lot of work done in the past year and he is satisfied when everything is perfect. I have had caps replaced a night guard made and several other procedures done. I can highly recommend him
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Haakon Williams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Happy to have a good dentist in Dr. Attri! I have always felt in good hands with him and his team. The few times I have had questions or concerns, he has been very able to talk with me, adjust as needed, and make sure I leave the office satisfied. Look no further for your local holistic dentist!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andrew Harrison 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Attri is the real deal. He explains everything very well, is very patient and kind, and has a gentle hand compared to dentists I've had in the past. You won't regret coming here for dental care

Write a review

Deck Julio

The experience of getting dental implants with Dr. Attri was life changing. he was very informative and didn't upset me at all during the treatment and afterwards checked on my healing progress. The implants are so similar to my own teeth that I can eat and smile with confidence once again. Thanks to his well-thought-out strategy.

Vickie Miles

I was treated for a gum disease and was treated well during the entire treatment. The dentist informed me the reason for the problem and provided me with very clear instructions on how to take better care of my gums at home. It was done with great care and I have seen a definite difference since then.

Patti Barrett

Excellent dentist! On vacation & had the bonded plug over the screw head of my implant come out, after having it installed by my dentist less than a month ago. I arrived as a walk-in when they opened & the dentist fixed it right away. The office staff was super nice & chill. The dentist was gentle & caring. The office was clean & welcoming. Not the vacation excursion I was expecting but still a pleasant experience. I was so appreciative of them fitting me in for the repair.

Alyssa

I’ve been coming here since last year when I moved to the area, and wanted to find a holistic dentist. Dr. Attri is amazing! He fixed a lot of dental issues I’d been having and truly changed my smile. He’s also incredibly kind and caring. All of the staff are so wonderful too. I couldn’t recommend enough

Don Weaver

I was referred to Dr. Attri from my naturopathic doctor friends in Santa Rosa, and in my few interactions with him so far, I’ve found him to be very friendly and knowledgeable. I recently had my first “major” work done with him, which was getting a precise impression for a crown to place over an implant, then having him fit the crown. As far as I can tell, he did it all perfectly, and my chronic jaw pain (from not having a matching back molar on the left side) has subsided greatly. I chose Dr. Attri for this work both because I think he is very trustworthy and competent, and also because his price for a crown was very helpfully lower than what my other outstanding dentist in Berkeley was going to charge. I am grateful to have found Dr. Attri and his Stunning Smiles practice in Santa Rosa and, from experience to date, I recommend him.

Amy Breckenridge

Dr. Attri and his staff are professional, kind and knowledgeable. Best care in Santa Rosa, Ca. If you have any fears , Dr. Attri and staff will put your mind to rest!

Nancy Lazark

I am happy to write a review for Dr. Attri. I find him to be very gentle and thorough. I have had quite a lot of work done in the past year and he is satisfied when everything is perfect. I have had caps replaced a night guard made and several other procedures done. I can highly recommend him

Haakon Williams

Happy to have a good dentist in Dr. Attri! I have always felt in good hands with him and his team. The few times I have had questions or concerns, he has been very able to talk with me, adjust as needed, and make sure I leave the office satisfied. Look no further for your local holistic dentist!

Andrew Harrison

Dr. Attri is the real deal. He explains everything very well, is very patient and kind, and has a gentle hand compared to dentists I've had in the past. You won't regret coming here for dental care