Bruxism and Temporomandibular Disorders Bruxism is the
unconscious act of grinding the teeth. This usually occurs at
night during sleep. Bruxism has been observed in people of all
ages, including young children. It is a contributing factor in
temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Like daytime teeth
clenching, bruxism is often considered to be stress-related.
Sleep disorders are also a cause of bruxism. The negative
effects of bruxism include: If your child grinds his or her
teeth, don't be too concerned. Bruxism is not necessarily a sign
of stress in your child. Pediatric dentists have various
theories about what causes bruxism, ranging from some irritating
feature in the mouth, such as misaligned teeth, to allergies, to
stress. Because a child's teeth and jaw grow and change so
quickly, bruxism is common and is not usually a damaging habit
in need of treatment. If bruxism or teeth clenching (which is
what you are most likely to observe) is causing you trouble,
consider seeking treatment, reducing stress, or at