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Home › Articles › Health Issues › Escaping the Nightly Grind

Escaping the Nightly Grind

When Your Child's Teeth Won't Sleep

By Lisa Marie Metzler

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Dr. King notes that most cases of bruxism have a psychological component. Even small children have anxiety and stress. Missing a treasured toy, a change in daycare provider or even arguing between parents can be very worrisome to young children.

"In cases where stress is the main reason for bruxism, the parent should address why that situation is stressing their child," Dr. King says. By talking to your preschooler about her day, you should be able to pick up clues as to what is troubling her. It's best not to focus on the teeth grinding itself, but the emotions the child is feeling. Once identified, you can work on eliminating the stress causing the nighttime teeth grinding.

"Anything relaxing before bed, like a warm bath, peaceful music or a massage, can be helpful,"Dr. King says. Above all, don't criticize your child or wake her to stop the grinding.

If basic stress relievers don't work and your child continues to grind her teeth at night and is having trouble sleeping or just not acting like herself, then you may want to consider talking with a psychologist to determine the source of the stress causing the nighttime grinding.

Bruxism and TMJ

If chronic bruxism is not addressed by a dentist or physician, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) can be the eventual result. The constant grinding and clenching of teeth at night, even when done during childhood, can cause damage to the temporomandibular joint. Symptoms include morning headaches (from a nighttime of grinding), clicking or popping noise when opening the jaws or while chewing and general discomfort or pain in the jaw area or directly in front of the ear.

"Temporomandibular disorders are almost unheard of in children and should not be a concern of parents," says Dr. Jeffrey Ganeles, a periodontist practicing in Boca Raton, Fla. However, if you suspect your child has TMJ, consult an orthodontist or dentist.

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