Why do children grind their teeth?

Answer 1

Gritting or grinding teeth (the medical term for it is bruxism) is fairly common among young children, affecting three out of every ten. It is seen most often among kids under age five. No one knows exactly why they develop this tendency, but it could be because their upper and lower teeth aren't properly aligned. Other possible causes are pain - such as an earache or eruption of a tooth - or even stress, perhaps due to frustration or tension at home or some change in routine. Most kids outgrow this habit when they lose their baby teeth and, fortunately, it usually doesn't hurt their permanent ones. As long as your child doesn't complain of soreness in her jaw or face in the morning, she's unlikely to suffer any ill effects. However, to be sure that the grinding isn't wearing down the enamel on her teeth, it's a good idea to take her to a pediatric dentist, who should be able to figure out whether the grinding is due to misaligned teeth or something else. If the problem is stress, reassurance may be all that's needed once you know what the trouble is. Getting into a routine of relaxation before bedtime can help, as well- a warm bath, music, or reading a book, for example. If a child's teeth are being damaged by the grinding or when kids complain of pain or soreness in the face or jaw, a dental appliance called a night guard should be considered. Your dentist can tell you whether this is necessary, but very young children generally don't need guards. (If one is recommended, you're probably better off with a guard molded and fitted by the dentist rather than one sold over the counter, which may not fit or work as well as a custom appliance.) I wouldn't worry too much about this. In all likelihood, your 8 years old child will outgrow the grinding by the time her permanent teeth come in.

Answer 2

Common reasons for teeth grinding are stress, frustration, anxiety. It could also be as a results of abnormal occlusion (the way the upper and lower teeth fit together), or crooked or missing teeth. This phenomenon is known as "Bruxism". There are different ways to treat this. For more information search for "Bruxism" on Answers.com (link on the right).

Tgdan: Teeth grinding (bruxism) in children is very common (espescially when they have new teeth coming through) and is not usually something to worry about as it will probably go away on its own. If your child is still grinding their teeth when their adult teeth have come through then it may be time to consider a nightguard to protect their teeth. In the mean time though you should stop worrying!

Answer 3

A four-year-old grinding her teeth at night is normal. Her permanent teeth are pushing toward the surface, and this grinding action is involuntary. It is the process by which the primary (baby) teeth remain in the proper occlusion and eventually wear away to make room for the permanent teeth. There is nothing to be concerned about. Of course, if you have to listen to the grinding all night, it can be very annoying. Not to worry though, she'll probably outgrow this condition by about age 10-12. ;) ===ANOTHER ANSWER=== TRY Google--type in "bruxism". That's the technical term for teeth grinding. Many times it's caused by "reflex chewing activity". Check out info on bruxism. If it continues when she has her permenant teeth, there are mouth guards available (also called bite guards). Many people grind their teeth, sometimes to the point that they wear them down flat! Best to You!

Answer 4

Bruxism is the medical term for kids grinding their teeth during sleep. The exact cause is unknown. However this is common among most kids. This habit could be stopped with treatment by a dentist.

Answer 5

Children grind their teeth because they are learning to chew. It is part of the normal learning process of imprinting the neuromuscular patterns required to coordinate chewing. It usually subsides by age 6-8, and has no negative effects up to this point. If it persists into adolescence it may lead to attrition (wearing) or TMJ problems. Speak to your dentist for more information.

Answer 6

The condition is called nocturnal bruxism, and it is quite common among pre-adolescent children.

Children experience a great deal of growth within their jaws. Not only are the jaws themselves growing, but there are permanent teeth growing within the jaws.

The grinding at night is an unconscious reflex, which helps relieve the stresses of all the growth taking place. The grinding tends to wear down the biting and chewing surfaces of the primary teeth, which makes more room for the permanent teeth.

While it may be annoying to listen to, it is a completely benign and normal process.

Answer 7

My 5 year old still grinds her teeth and she has for a few years...just when she's sleeping. Our dentist has assured me several times it's completely normal and some kids even grind their teeth down to the gum line with no discomfort. He also said they usually outgrow it by the time their permanents start to come in. However, if they still are grinding their teeth after that a night guard would be provided. Besides the awful noise they makes...it's no problem.

Answer 8

They do not. They're suckling - a natural instinct for infants and young toddlers.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

It's because of their dreams