Teeth grinding: Should you worry about it?

Do your kids grind their teeth?  If so, don't worry too much about it.  Grinding teeth, or bruxism, is surprisingly common in children. Nearly one in three children does it at some point, nearly always in their sleep. That said, adults sometimes grind their teeth in their sleep, too.

Nobody knows the cause. There are theories, including teeth not fitting together properly (malocclusion), a problem with the joint of the jaw (temporomandibular joint), anxiety, or just habit. The cause may be different in different people.

Luckily, people usually stop by themselves - and there is usually no damage to the teeth. If they grind hard enough for long enough it can wear down the teeth and increase the risk of infections, but this is uncommon.

It's important, for all sorts of reasons, that everyone go to the dentist regularly. If you or your child are grinding your teeth, mention that to your dentist. If the dentist sees more than the average wear and tear, he or she may prescribe a mouth guard. It's most likely, though, that nothing will need to be done.

Because bruxism can be associated with stress, treating that stress can be an important part of stopping teeth grinding. Psychotherapy, meditation, or physical exercise are all known stress reducers. If your child is the one grinding his or her teeth, be on the lookout for any changes in your child's behavior - and think about whether anything in his or her life may be worrying or upsetting (like a new school, new sibling, conflict between parents). If you have noticed changes in your child's behavior, and if your efforts to help aren't making a difference, talk to your pediatrician.

Do you grind your teeth? Have you noticed that episodes are linked to stresses in your life? What have you found helpful in stopping teeth grinding?

Julie K. Silver, M.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School. She is also the Chief Editor of Books for Harvard Health Publications.

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