Bruxism (forceful teeth grinding during sleep) is thought to be the third most common parasomnia (partial arousal) experienced in the population. Parents notice this in their children and it can be a disturbing sound. Although parasomnia's tend to decrease in childhood, bruxism tends to remain for some children even at 13 years.
Approximately 20% of children are reported to grind their teeth during sleep and wake complaining of facial pains or headache. Stress has been considered to be a contributing factor but some studies have found no related day time stress reported in patients who grind their teeth.
Bruxism tends to be part of a chewing and swallowing process and a study in 2003 postulated that children with reflux may experience bruxism as a secondary effect along with increased saliva production. Sleep position also has an effect on the level and frequency of bruxism.
In 2008 further work on sleep disordered breathing showed a positive reduction in bruxism following tonsil and adenoid removal. Randomised Controlled Trials of occlusive dental splints have not conclusively demonstrated this device is sufficently effective in resolving sleep issues, although they may reduce wear and tear on teeth.
Perhaps the assessment of children with bruxism by Ear Nose and Throat Specialists would be worthwhile, particularly for those for whom sleep disordered breathing is an issue? There seems to be no current consensus on how best to resolve this parasomnia. Some authorities believe children may outgrow this but there remains an adult population who also experience bruxism.
Further research should lead to a better overview of both causes and the identification of effective treatment.
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