Book Appointment

Preventive Care | Teeth for Life | Thumb Sucking | Teeth Grinding

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, refers to excessive grinding of the teeth and/or excessive clenching of the jaw, and is common in children. The first indication is the noise created by your child grinding on their teeth during sleep. Or, you may notice wear (teeth getting shorter) to your child’s dentition.

Although teeth grinding is often the result of stress in adults, the same is not always true with children. If your child’s teeth grinding is not the result of stress, other possible causes include irritation in the mouth, inner ear pressure, allergies, and misaligned teeth.

The good news is that, because your child’s teeth and jaws change and grow so quickly, teeth grinding is not usually a damaging habit that requires treatment and most outgrow it by adolescence. However, if excessive wearing of the teeth is present, your child’s dentist may recommend wearing a nightguard.

If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth grinding, ask your child’s dentist about the potential causes and, if necessary, the possible solutions.

Patient Testimonials
“Wonderful staff who are extremely nice and patient with my twins! I would recommend Rolling Hills Dentistry to all families with kids! Always great service no matter what type of dental needs my kids have!” ~ Karen J. “Hands down the best pediatric dentistry I have ever taken my kids to. The dental assistant made the experience fun for my daughter and took the time to explain everything she did and every tool she used.” ~ Ali B. “Absolutely LOVE Rolling Hills Pediatric Dentistry. They do an excellent job of putting the kids at ease, talking to them about the procedure, showing them what will be done as well any and all instruments that will be used. They never proceed until the child AND the parent is comfortable and always talk TO the child, not AT the child. I HIGHLY recommend Rolling Hills Pediatric Dentistry.” ~ Maria K.