Bruxism (BRUKS-iz-em) is the medical term for grinding or clenching the teeth. It can happen during the day or at night. Many kids have it, but most outgrow it. Sometimes, though, problems can happen from too much tooth grinding. You can help your child manage the grinding to avoid problems.

• If your health care provider found a cause (like an ear infection), follow their instructions for treating it.
• If your child has stress, talk about what's going on and find a way to help. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga might help.
• Help your child relax before bedtime. Taking a warm bath or shower, listening to a few minutes of soothing music, or reading a book can help.
• Go to any follow-up visits with the health care provider or dentist as directed.
• If the health care provider or dentist recommends a mouth guard, help your child to wear and clean it as directed.

Your child:

• has trouble sleeping
• is acting differently than usual or seems withdrawn or anxious
• has face pain, headaches, or earaches
• develops tooth pain or loosening of permanent teeth
• has bites, sores, or bleeding on the inside of the cheek
• has trouble chewing or moving the jaw
• develops new symptoms

Does grinding the teeth cause problems? Grinding usually doesn't cause problems for kids, and many aren't aware that they're doing it. But grinding that lasts a while can lead to headaches, earaches, a sore jaw, and worn-down or sensitive teeth.

How is teeth grinding treated? Most kids outgrow teeth grinding as they get older and often don't need treatment. When treatment is needed, what's used depends on what's causing the bruxism. If it's due to an ear infection, the health care provider will treat it. If it's related to stress or anxiety, relaxation techniques can help. Sometimes a mouth guard is recommended. This is a piece of plastic that a child wears over the teeth at night to prevent them from grinding during sleep.