Question
What are the reasons for children grinding their teeth at night?
Answer
Children grinding their teeth may be due to parasitic infections, particularly roundworms. These worms steal nutrients in the intestines, secrete toxins, and stimulate intestinal peristalsis, leading to indigestion and abdominal pain. This can cause the nervous system to become excited during sleep, resulting in teeth grinding. Additionally, pinworm disease is common in young children, with the worms laying eggs at night causing anal itching, leading to restless sleep and teeth grinding. If parasites are found, they should be dewormed under a doctor’s guidance. Moreover, emotional restlessness or excessive fatigue during the day may also lead to nighttime teeth grinding.