Can Bruxism (teeth grinding) and Autism go together?

Post Reply New Topic

I have noticed recently that my daughters front tooth is chipped, I thought it was from opening drinks bottles with her teeth and have stopped giving her that particular brand of drink. I then noticed the other front tooth became chipped and again since have noticed even more chipping and rough edges. I think her teeth look smaller but this may be because her face is growing, as she is nearly 5 it wont be long until she gets new ones too.

Anyone else seen a connection and have any ideas to help? Ive read about a regular relaxing bedtime routine but we already do all of those things. Not sure if a gum guard would work for a 4 year old either!

I've always grinded my teeth for as long as I can remember. I know that teeth grinding is definitely a symptom of tension and anxiety and having autism usually brings along symptoms of anxiety.

I've chipped my front teeth by accidentally hitting them with a drinking glass and by accidentally biting down on a fork. She could just be occasionally clumsy when eating.

Edit: If it's just the front teeth I'd think it was something like I mentioned. I would think her dentist would be able to tell if it was grinding ... doesn't that usually affect the molars more and would wear down the enamel?

My son, who has Asperger's, ground his front top incisors down to the gums! People assumed that his baby teeth had fallen out, but the roots were still in place for many months. He also had recurring abscesses which may have been caused by the constant grinding. Sensory issues made it extremely difficult to impossible for the dentist to treat him.

I used to draw my top and bottom teeth over each other, until they became quite badly chipped, then I managed to break the habit. I've just been talking to my son about this as his adult teeth, again top incisors, are slightly chipped. Every so often my dentist has to carry out some cosmetic work to my own top incisors to disguise the chips I am left with.

I'd recommend speaking to your dentist about this, and see what she or he advises.

I do it, and had to get a mouthguard as an adult.

Check with your dentist, there may be specific interventions for little kids.

i used to brux when i had a high stress job.

One of my autistic sons is a major grinder. The OT thinks it's a sensory thing.

My daughter is a major grinder as well. She ground her baby teeth down alot. It is getting better, she grinds less now. When she is sleeping I can hear the grinding-it is very loud.

I have 7 crowns from grinding my teeth.