I can hear my child grinding their teeth, especially at night. Should I be concerned? Tooth clenching and grinding (Bruxism) is actually quite common in children. Two reasons include stress (achieving a new milestone, school, new environments) and dental malocclusion (teeth not fitting together ideally). It is a fact that the roots of teeth sit in a sling of ligaments and nerves. When children clench or grind, there is enormous neurologic feedback to their brain. A reflex arc sends an impulse to your mandible, triggering it to bite (like when we chew food). What a profound new sensation for a child with a developing dentition!
Though the sound of bruxism can be alarming, the amount of wear on your child’s teeth can be variable. Give us a call if you suspect bruxism in your child.
