Bruxism is a chronic clenching of the jaws and grinding of the teeth that affects many children, especially those under the age of 5. It occurs when children grind, clench or gnash their teeth. Bruxism tends to occur most often during deep sleep, particularly in the early part of the night. In addition, bruxism may occur during waking moments when a child feels particularly stressed or anxious.

The exact cause of bruxism remains unknown. It is more common in children whose top and bottom teeth are not aligned properly (malocclusion). Stress is also suspected as a major contributor to bruxism.

In most cases, bruxism is a minor condition that poses no real health threat to a child. However, in more severe cases, bruxing can cause morning jaw pain, headaches, or earaches. In extreme cases, tooth enamel may begin to wear down, exposing the inner surface of the teeth (dentin). Teeth also may become flattened or chipped.

Parents who notice signs of bruxism in their children are urged to schedule an appointment with the child’s dentist. In some cases, signs of bruxism – such as wearing of the teeth – may be noticed by the dentist during a routine dental exam.

Most cases of bruxism require no treatment and children are likely to outgrow the condition by age 10. However, treatment is necessary in more severe cases to prevent symptoms such as jaw pain or destruction of tooth enamel. A custom-fit mouth guard can protect the teeth during sleep. In rare cases, when children are highly stressed, they may benefit from psychotherapy or medication. As a last resort, orthodontics or even surgery may be performed to realign a child’s bite.