Parents Corner

The Nightly Grind

That odd gnawing noise your child makes in his sleep could be the sound of tooth against tooth. About 14 percent of kids ages 3 to 7 grind their teeth at night – a habit called bruxism. "Kids with sleep disturbances – bed-wetters, sleeptalkers, or sleepwalkers – are prone to clinching and grinding," says Rhea Haugseth, spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Researchers believe that some kids gnash their chompers because their top and bottom teeth don’t meet properly, they have a high tooth they are subconsciously trying to level, or they’re stressed. Left unchecked, bruxism can erode tooth enamel, cause pain and stiffness in the jaw, or wear down and loosen the teeth, says Dr. Haugseth.

The good news is that generally, grinding won’t lead to cavities, and the kids might outgrow the habit. But if grinding persists beyond age 6, dentists can check the child’s bite, file down a high tooth, or fit him with a plastic mouth guard to wear at night to protect the teeth.

Reducing stress before bed may help. Give your child a warm, relaxing bath followed by storytime. Talk to him about any worries and fears to put his mind at ease. Also, offer him some crunchy fruits and veggies as evening snacks. The chewing action may leave jaw muscles too tire to gnash later.

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