Teeth grinding (known as bruxism) is a common habit that affects a lot of people, usually in their sleep. It can damage teeth, cause jaw ache as well as shoulder and neck pain, headaches and migraines
- Nobody knows why bruxism happens but in some cases, children grind because the top and bottom teeth aren't aligned properly. Others do it as a response to pain, such as an earache or teething. Stress, either nervous tension or anger, is another cause. A child might worry about a test at school or a change in routine such as a new sibling or a new teacher
- In some circumstances, night-time grinding and clenching can wear down tooth enamel, chip teeth, increase temperature sensitivity, and cause severe facial pain and jaw problems. Lots of children who grind their teeth aren't even aware of it, so it's often siblings or parents who identify the problem.
- Some symptoms to watch out for can include grinding noises when a child is sleeping, complaints of a sore jaw or face in the morning or pain with chewing. Most children outgrow bruxism, but a combination of parental observation and dental visits can help keep the problem in check until they do. Make sure children have regular dental check-ups to spot any repairs that need doing. If they can't stop, they may have to wear a gum shield at night to prevent any more damage to teeth or the jaw
8-10% of the general population grind their teeth
20-30% of children grind their teeth
£50 Cost of a fitted mouthguard to protect from grinding
Source: NHS Choices and kidshealth.org
