What causes teeth grinding in children during sleep?
Disease description:
My child likes to grind his teeth while sleeping. What causes this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Teeth grinding during sleep is a relatively common phenomenon in children, and possible causes include:
1. Growth and development: Children may experience teeth grinding during their growth and development, especially during the period of tooth replacement.
2. Improper bite: If a child's teeth develop abnormally, such as poor dental occlusion or misalignment, it may also lead to teeth grinding.
3. Medical factors: Eating too much in the evening or consuming hard-to-digest food before bedtime may overload the digestive system, causing spontaneous contraction of the facial chewing muscles and resulting in teeth grinding.
4. Stress and anxiety: Pressure and anxiety experienced by children in academic, family, or social settings may also contribute to nighttime teeth grinding.
If a child's teeth grinding is loud or if the child complains of symptoms such as tooth pain, headache, or facial muscle soreness, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene habits and reducing a child's stress levels can help alleviate teeth grinding symptoms.
