Question:
We find our 6 year old (hi functioning/Asperger's) often grinding his
teeth in his sleep really hard. I have placed my hand on his jaw
muscles at the moment he does this and I'm impressed with the
strength at which he can grind those teeth. Does anyone else see this
in any of their children? Does anyone know if it might have any
significance?
Answer:
We went through a period of teeth grinding with Jers (now 7) a little
over a year ago. Since teeth grinding can be very damaging to the teeth,
I felt that it was something we really needed to address before it became
too ingrained to stop. Every time he started, we would say "no grinding"
and I would put my hand on his lower jaw if necessary. I can't remember
how long it lasted but it did stop. I don't know if it would have gone
away without the intervention but I was not about to take a chance with
his teeth. His grinding was primarily taking place when he was awake so
we had the opportunity to work on it. Does your child do this only when
asleep?
yes Patrick has ground his teeth from time to time. It is a horrible
sound to hear in the night! I think it may be stress related,and thank
goodness he is not currently grinding,but he has done a great deal of damage
to his baby teeth.As a precaution, I sugest frequent dental check-ups!
Ryan, my 14 yo son, Asperger/HFA, also grinds his teeth. He used to sleep
walk at a younger age, and also talks in his sleep.
The teeth grinding can damage the teeth, so we tried (at his request) an
appliance like football players use. Since it did not fit well, he
stopped using it after a couple of weeks. We are making an appointment
for his dentist to construct a mouth guard. Not sure if this is an
option for your son at this time. Since at six, we had to go through an
intense program to get him in the dental chair.
(that was sucessful since the dentist was his only friend's father and
his wife would gradually drive him to the parking lot, then go into the
waiting room, then walk him into the back, etc., etc. After a period of
a few months he was able to go to the dentist w/o problems.)
His OT believes the teeth grinding is a sensory issue related to his
craving for deep pressure.
When Nathan used to grind his teeth continually, we were involved in
the NACD programme under Robert Doman and he suggested we apply teeth
pressure - ie. squeeze teeth/gums with my fingers. It DID work! He rarely
grinds his teeth now!
