Should you check your child's grinding teeth at night?

Patient's question:

Age
My daughter often grinds her teeth while sleeping until midnight, and the sound is very loud. Basically every night, it has been going on for a long time. My relatives said that grinding teeth can consume a lot of energy, causing the child to not rest well enough. I don't know if it's a big deal. Is it necessary to go to the hospital for a check-up?

Doctor's answer:

Hello:
Children often grind their teeth with a "clicking" sound after falling asleep at night. This "dry grinding" produces a loud and rough noise that is very unpleasant to hear, and the child cannot control it. Medically, this condition is known as "night bruxism."
The exact cause of night bruxism has not yet been fully determined. It is generally believed that, in addition to intestinal parasites causing reflexive grinding, gastrointestinal dysfunction can also lead to night bruxism. Excitement or excessive fatigue may also trigger grinding. Additionally, during the teething phase, misaligned bite relationships can disrupt jaw muscle movements, causing spasms and contractions that result in night bruxism. Therefore, it should not be assumed solely that parasites are the cause.
If a child grinds their teeth for a long time, it can affect dental health and lead to various conditions. For example, front teeth may become shorter, affecting aesthetics, while back teeth may be worn down, causing jaw muscle fatigue and pain. Severe cases can lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Tooth enamel wear may expose dentin, causing sensitivity and pain to cold, heat, sweet, and sour foods, or even lead to pulpitis.
Therefore, if a child has night bruxism, parents should take it seriously and seek treatment.
Prevention and Treatment Methods:
1. Avoid excessive excitement during the day, and ensure the child is relaxed before bed. Do not watch stimulating TV shows before sleep.
2. Have the child checked for intestinal parasitic infections. If present, follow a doctor's guidance to deworm.
3. For persistent cases, a bite guard should be made and worn during sleep to prevent direct tooth wear.
4. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is highly effective for treating night bruxism. Xuanfeng Decoction can be used. Its ingredients are:
- Pinellia ternata: 15g
- Tangerine peel: 15g
- Black fennel seeds (roasted, use only the head powder): 30g
- Licorice (): 15g
Grind the ingredients into a fine powder. Take 2–3g each time, mixed with honey water, and take on an empty stomach. Give it a try.