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a fairly common habit among
children, particularly those
under the age of 11.
Indications
Many cases
of bruxism go
undetected with
no ill-effects, while
others may cause
headaches or
earaches. Usually
though, it's more
bothersome to other
family members
because of the
grinding sound. In
some circumstances,
nighttime grinding
and clenching can
wear down tooth
enamel, chip teeth,
increase temperature
sensitivity, and cause
severe facial pain and
jaw problems.
Causes
Bruxism is a condition of
multifactorial etiology,
determined by an association
of psychological, local(dental),
and systemic factors.
Local factors include occlusal
interferences (mobile teeth,
cuspal interferences, high
restorations, premature contacts
or occlusal disharmony),
malocclusion, and temporo-
mandibular dysfunction.
Systemic factors implicated
in bruxism include intestinal
parasites, subclinical nutritional
deficiencies, allergies, and
endocrine disorders.
The Role of stress
Stress and anxiety may be
directly related to bruxism.
There is a close association
between bruxism and
underlying personality
problems. Stress, usually
nervous tension or anger, can be
the cause. For instance, a child
might worry about a test at
school or a change in routine (a
new sibling or a new teacher).
Even arguing with parents and
siblings can cause enough stress
to prompt teeth grinding or jaw
clenching.
Bruxism is found in those who
suffer from post-traumatic
stress disorder, further
suggesting that psychological
factors may be involved.
Counseling and other forms of
relieving psychological stress,
such as muscle relaxation, have
been shown to reduce teeth
grinding in children.
Hyperactivity and
other medical
conditions
Hyperactivity is also associated
with bruxism as are the
amphetamines used for
managing attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Sometimes kids with other
medical conditions (such as
cerebral palsy, Down syndrome,
and epilepsy) or who take
certain medicines can develop
bruxism.
Snoring
Bruxism is prevalent in children
who snore and/or breathe
through their mouths. A link
has also been made between
teeth grinding and enlarged
tonsils, which in turn is strongly
correlated to upper airway
obstruction. Removing the
tonsils and adenoids has been
shown to lessen teeth grinding
in some children. Asthma and
respiratory airway infections
may also be factors in bruxism.
Teething
In some
cases, kids
may grind
because
the top and
bottom teeth
aren't aligned
properly.
Others do it
as a response
to pain, such
as from an
earache or
teething. Kids
might grind
their teeth
as a way to
ease the pain,
just as they
might rub a
sore muscle.
Many kids
outgrow these
fairly common
causes for
grinding.
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Nov/Dec 2016