Bruxism in Lancaster, PA

Bruxism, or the habit of clenching or grinding the teeth, is an everyday issue that affects patients of all ages, including children. Though it often occurs during sleep, bruxism can occur in response to stress, teething, and other childhood concerns. At Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates, our board-certified pediatric specialists routinely screen for evidence of bruxism and can help you determine if this condition is affecting your child's oral health. As a comprehensive pediatric practice, our team can also customize a night guard to help protect your family member's teeth against the effects of this common dental concern. If you believe your son or daughter may be grinding their teeth or would like to learn more about custom night guards, schedule a consultation at our Lancaster, PA pediatric dental practice.

Bruxism, or teeth grinding and jaw clenching, can affect children for a variety of reasons, including teething, stress, or changes in bite alignment. While some symptoms are more noticeable than others, it's important to recognize the signs early to help prevent damage to your child’s teeth and jaw. If you suspect your child may be grinding their teeth, look out for the following symptoms:

• Visible wear on teeth: Flattened or worn-down chewing and biting surfaces
• Morning headaches: Frequent headaches upon waking
• Jaw pain or soreness: Discomfort in the jaw or around the ears, especially in the morning
• Audible grinding sounds: Grinding or clenching noises during sleep
• Increased tooth sensitivity: Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
• Interrupted sleep: Restless sleep or complaints of poor sleep quality
• TMJ discomfort: Clicking, popping, or pain in the jaw joint

Bruxism in children can be caused by various factors, including stress or anxiety, which may trigger teeth grinding during sleep. Physical factors such as misaligned teeth or discomfort from teething can also contribute. Additionally, some children may grind their teeth in response to pain from conditions like earaches. Other causes may include hyperactivity or certain medications that can increase the likelihood of teeth grinding. Understanding these underlying triggers can help in finding the most effective approach to managing bruxism.

While bruxism (teeth grinding) can affect people of all ages, the risk factors in children often differ from those in adults. Understanding the potential triggers can help parents identify underlying issues and seek timely care. Several physical, emotional, and developmental factors may contribute to a child's tendency to grind or clench their teeth, including:

• Stress or anxiety: Worries about school, social situations, or family changes
• Allergies or nasal congestion: Breathing difficulties during sleep may lead to nighttime grinding
• Misaligned teeth or bite issues: Jaw misalignment can cause involuntary grinding
• Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use: Habits that persist beyond early childhood can impact oral development
• Changes in dental development: The transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth may contribute to temporary grinding

Our team will evaluate for signs and symptoms of bruxism during each of your child's routine dental exams. In some cases, we may simply monitor the condition and offer suggestions on how to decrease the habit through a palliative approach, such as relaxation techniques before bedtime or taking a warm bath. Some patients may benefit from simple therapies, like a bite adjustment or need more involved care, such as with orthodontic treatment. A custom night guard appliance may be recommended in other instances, which is a special type of mouth guard worn comfortably in the mouth at night to protect the teeth and jaw against damage from grinding and clenching. To make a custom night guard, we take an impression of your child's upper and lower teeth and send these molds off to a special dental lab. Once it is complete, we have you bring your child back into our office for a quick visit to receive the appliance and allow our team to make any necessary adjustments to enhance its comfort. Special instructions on how to clean and care for it will be provided to you. Custom night guards are made with high-grade materials to fit comfortably in the mouth and help improve the nature of your child's sleep by diminishing jaw clenching and teeth grinding.

Your child's bruxism condition and treatment results will be monitored from visit-to-visit. In many cases, patients grow out of childhood bruxism; however, we will continue to closely evaluate the need for follow-up care as your son or daughter progresses through adolescence and into the teen years. For night guard therapy to be effective, your child will need to wear it each night. If you find that your child's night guard is not diminishing or alleviating the discomfort and dental problems created by bruxism, please inform our office so that we can consider additional issues or try other therapies. In order to help keep your child's mouth and night guard in pristine condition, we recommend that you assist them with their oral hygiene and caring for the appliance following each use. Your child's night guard should be brought in to all future appointments so that we can evaluate its fit and adjust the guard as needed. A new night guard may be required to accommodate jaw development as your child grows.

Insurance coverage for bruxism treatment may vary according to the type of care recommended and among various dental insurance plans. Before beginning your child's treatment, our team will review your insurance benefits and let you know of any anticipated out-of-pocket expenses. Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates is pleased to accept a range of affordable payment options, including low-cost financing, to help you give your child lasting oral health and a happy smile.

How can I help my child with bruxism?
Like bruxism in adults, childhood teeth grinding can cause oral health problems if left untreated. If you notice that your child is grinding their teeth in their sleep or they are complaining of painful symptoms associated with bruxism, we recommend scheduling an appointment for teeth grinding treatment at our Lancaster, PA office.

What happens if my child’s bruxism goes untreated?
If bruxism goes untreated, symptoms can worsen, and more severe oral health conditions could develop. Conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint can develop, such as temporomandibular disorder.

How early can bruxism develop in children?
Bruxism in children can develop as early as four years old. However, bruxism is most common in children between the ages of 10 – 14 years old.

When should I be concerned about my child's teeth grinding?
You should be concerned about your child's teeth grinding if it occurs frequently and is accompanied by symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, or disrupted sleep. Additionally, if you notice visible signs of wear on their teeth or if the grinding persists despite attempts to manage stress or anxiety, it's important to consult a pediatric dentist for further evaluation. Early intervention can help prevent potential dental damage and address any underlying issues contributing to the grinding.

Why does my child grind their teeth?
Children may grind their teeth for several reasons, including stress or anxiety, discomfort from teething or misaligned teeth, or as a response to pain. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can occur during the day or at night, often without the child being aware of it. In some cases, it may also be linked to factors such as sleep disorders, hyperactivity, or even the presence of certain medications. Understanding the underlying cause is essential for determining the best approach to address the issue.

How can I help my child with their teeth grinding?
To help your child with teeth grinding, start by identifying and addressing any underlying causes, such as stress or anxiety, by creating a calm and supportive environment. Encouraging relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or gentle bedtime routines, can also be beneficial. Additionally, consider consulting a dentist who may recommend a mouthguard to protect your child's teeth during sleep, as well as regular check-ups to monitor any potential damage. If the grinding persists or worsens, a healthcare professional can provide further guidance and support.

Teeth grinding and clenching can lead to discomfort and a number of dental concerns for your child's smile. Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates is proud to offer custom solutions, including night guard therapy, to help target the source of your child's bruxism and protect their present and future oral health. If you think your son or daughter may be clenching or grinding their teeth, get in touch with our child-centered pediatric dental practice in Lancaster, PA today and schedule a bruxism consultation.