Bruxism facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bruxism
Attrition (tooth wear caused by tooth-to-tooth contact) can be a manifestation of bruxism.

Bruxism is when someone grinds their teeth or clenches their jaw too much. This is not a normal way to use your teeth, like when you eat or talk. Bruxism is quite common, affecting about 8 to 31 out of every 100 people.

Grinding or clenching can wear down your teeth. It can also make your teeth very sensitive. Sometimes, it can cause headaches or jaw pain. Bruxism can even damage dental work like crowns or fillings. People might not always notice these problems, so some people with bruxism don't even know they have it.

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a habit where you press your upper and lower teeth together very hard. You might also slide them back and forth. This can happen without you even realizing it. It's different from chewing food, which is a normal and healthy use of your teeth.

Types of Bruxism

There are two main kinds of bruxism:

• Sleep bruxism: This happens when a person is asleep.
• Awake bruxism: This happens when a person is awake.

The symptoms of sleep bruxism are often worse right after waking up. For awake bruxism, you might feel fine in the morning. Then, the symptoms can get worse as the day goes on.

Who Gets Bruxism?

Many things can cause people to grind their teeth or clench their jaws. The reasons for awake bruxism might be different from sleep bruxism. Girls and women are more likely to have awake bruxism. Sleep bruxism affects boys and girls, and men and women, about the same amount.

How is Bruxism Treated?

Several treatments are used for bruxism. However, it's important to know that no single treatment has been proven to work perfectly for everyone. Dentists or doctors can help figure out the best way to manage it.

Images for kids

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  View from above of an anterior (front) tooth showing severe tooth wear which has exposed the dentin layer (normally covered by enamel). The pulp chamber is visible through the overlying dentin. Tertiary dentin will have been laid down by the pulp in response to the loss of tooth substance. Multiple fracture lines are also visible.

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  The left temporalis muscle

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  The left medial pterygoid muscle, and the left lateral pterygoid muscle above it, shown on the medial surface of the mandbilar ramus, which has been partially removed along with a section of the zygomatic arch

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  The left masseter muscle (red highlight), shown partially covered by superficial muscles

See also

In Spanish: Bruxismo para niños