Stress is believed to be a major contributor to bruxism. Parents can help reduce the incidence of grinding and clenching by encouraging their children to develop relaxation methods. Prior to bedtime, children can be encouraged to take a warm bath, listen to relaxing music or read a favorite book.

Parents are also urged to encourage their children to discuss any problems or concerns the children may be experiencing in their day-to-day lives. Helping children address such frustrations can go a long way toward reducing clenching and grinding.

In addition, parents are urged to encourage their children to engage in certain practices that will both relieve pain and discourage clenching and grinding. These include:

• Relax facial and jaw muscles during the day
• Apply warm moist compresses to sore muscles
• Avoid eating hard or chewy foods like nuts, candies and steak
• Drink plenty of water
• Get plenty of sleep