Many parents come with a common concern:
“Doctor, my child grinds teeth at night… is it serious?”

This condition is called bruxism—and while it may seem harmless, sometimes it tells us something deeper about a child’s mind.

---

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism means grinding or clenching of teeth, usually during sleep.

It can happen:

• At night (most common)
• During the day (less common)

You may notice:

• Grinding sounds while the child sleeps
• Worn-down teeth
• Jaw tightness
• Complaints of headache in the morning

---

A Real-Life Case (From My Practice)

A 9-year-old boy was brought to the clinic by his parents.

The mother said:
“Doctor, every night we hear a loud grinding sound… we are scared his teeth will break.”

They had already consulted a dentist, who suggested a mouth guard. But the problem continued.

When I spoke to the child, he was quiet. On gentle questioning, he shared something important:

👉 He had recently changed schools.
👉 He was struggling to make friends.
👉 He was anxious about studies and felt “not good enough.”

He never expressed this openly—but his body did.

The teeth grinding was not just a dental issue—it was stress coming out during sleep.

With counseling, emotional support, and simple routine changes, his bruxism reduced significantly over the next few weeks.

---

Why Does Bruxism Happen in Children?

1. Stress and Anxiety (Most Common Cause)

Children may not say “I am stressed”… but their body shows it.

Triggers include:

• School pressure
• Fear of failure
• Social difficulties
• Family conflicts

---

2. Emotional Suppression

Some children:

• Don’t express anger
• Try to “be perfect”
• Keep feelings inside

This internal tension can show up as grinding.

---

3. Sleep Problems

• Irregular sleep schedule
• Poor sleep quality
• Night awakenings

---

4. Dental Factors

• Misaligned teeth
• Bite problems

---

5. Hyperactivity or ADHD

Children with high energy or impulsivity may have increased risk.

---

6. Screen Overuse

Late-night mobile use:

• Disturbs sleep
• Increases brain stimulation
• Reduces relaxation

---

What Happens If It Is Ignored?

Mild bruxism may go away on its own. But persistent cases can lead to:

• Tooth damage or sensitivity
• Jaw pain
• Headaches
• Poor sleep quality
• Increased irritability

---

How to Help Your Child

1. Don’t Panic

Most cases are manageable and reversible.

---

2. Improve Sleep Routine

• Fixed sleep time
• No screens 1 hour before bed
• Calm bedtime environment

---

3. Talk to Your Child

Instead of asking:
❌ “Why are you doing this?”

Try:
✅ “Is something bothering you?”
✅ “How was your day?”

---

4. Reduce Pressure

Avoid:

• Constant comparison
• Unrealistic expectations

Encourage effort, not perfection.

---

5. Teach Relaxation

Simple techniques:

• Deep breathing
• Bedtime storytelling
• Light music

---

6. Dental Consultation

If needed:

• Mouth guards
• Dental correction

---

7. Seek Professional Help

Consult a mental health expert if:

• Grinding is severe
• Child is anxious or withdrawn
• Sleep is disturbed
• Behavior changes are noticed

---

A Simple Insight for Parents

👉 Children don’t always say “I am stressed.”
👉 Sometimes, they show it through the body.

Bruxism is one such silent signal.

---

Final Thoughts

Don’t ignore it. Don’t overreact.

Understand it.

With the right balance of emotional support, routine, and guidance, most children recover well.

---

Contact Information

📍 Mind and Mood Clinic, Nagpur
👨‍⚕️ Dr. Rameez Shaikh, MD
📞 +91-8208823738
🌐 www.hellomind.in

---

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only. If your child has persistent symptoms, consult a qualified professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.