Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common side effect of stress. It often occurs at night, and can have a serious effect on the alignment of teeth and can also wear down the protective enamel on the surfaces of teeth. 

Teeth grinding can also be a side effect of misaligned teeth. When you close your mouth and the teeth are not properly aligned, it can be very common to want to move them frequently and grind to try to reposition them.
 

Teeth Grinding at Night

If you wake up with jaw soreness, a dull headache, or tooth pain, it’s possible that you grind your teeth at night. Over time, this can be detrimental to teeth alignment and overall oral health, so it’s important to monitor the frequency of the symptoms and see a dentist if they persist. 

A dentist might recommend a nighttime mouth guard to help prevent tooth damage if you grind your teeth while asleep.
 

Teeth Grinding in Children

Teeth grinding is fairly common during the time children’s permanent teeth emerge. Children may grind their teeth because it can be difficult for them to find a comfortable position because they are not yet used to the new position of their permanent teeth. If you suspect your child is grinding their teeth, contact your pediatric dentist. They will examine your child’s bite pattern to see if dental appliances or orthodontics are necessary.