Parents, you may have seen your sunshine grind their teeth while sleeping or at any time of the day, and even if it might look cute, it is Bruxism. Don’t worry if you are not aware of it; this article is here to educate you. Let’s take a sneak peek into the world of children’s dentistry.
Bruxism: Meaning
Teeth grinding, commonly known as Bruxism in medical terminologies, refers to the unintentional grinding or clenching of teeth. According to pediatric dentists at leading dental clinics like Ziva Dental, this phenomenon is quite common in children and can happen at any point of the day, especially when they sleep.
Bruxism: Symptoms
Nearly 15 to 20 percent of children unconsciously grind their teeth or clench their jaw, which can lead to unnecessary oral pain and problems. Some complications or symptoms of Bruxism, your kid might experience while clenching or grinding teeth are.
- Difficulty in chewing or painful jaw
- Regular earaches and headaches
- The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder can cause problems related to jaw
- Minuscule movements of the mouth from clenching while reading, watching TV, or during other activities
- Sounds of grinding or clenching when sleeping
- Sensitivity or wear and tear of teeth
Bruxism: Causes
The primary cause of Bruxism (teeth grinding) is still not established. However, dentists at children’s dentistry in San Antonio believe it is generally linked to any of the reasons mentioned below.
- Improper alignment of teeth
- Pain from an earache or teething
- Feelings like excitement, stress, or anxiety
- Certain medications or issues like cerebral palsy and hyperactivity
- Sleeping issues like sleep apnea and snoring
Bruxism: Treatment
Not all cases of teeth grinding need immediate attention. However, in the long run, it can increase the chance of suffering from health issues like sensitivity, migraines, TMJ disorder, jaw problems, and worn-out enamel. Every case of Bruxism is different and thus demands different treatment and care. Some treatment options that can ease the condition are.
- Defensive and proactive sealants to safeguard the enamel
- Braces for improper teeth alignment
- Night time oral guards for sleepers who grind unconsciously
- Counselling or therapy for underlying issues like stress
How Can You Help Your Child With Teeth Grinding?
Being a parent, you always want them to stay at ease and healthy. Some ways you can help your child with teeth grinding are.
- Mouth guard: You can get a mouth guard to protect your kid from the damage unintentional night grinding can cause in the long run.
- Help them relax: Stress is one of the triggers of Bruxism, so it is crucial to help your children relax before they are off to sleep. You can encourage them to take a warm shower, read a book, listen to soothing or favorite music, or engage in their favorite bedtime activity to calm and relax.
- Talk to a pediatric dentist: Visit your child’s dentist at Ziva Dental for an overall teeth evaluation. This will help them understand the severity of Bruxism to recommend the relevant and best treatment further.
- Encourage oral hygiene: Good oral hygiene can prevent oral issues related to teeth grinding in the long run. Therefore, please encourage them to brush twice and floss daily. In addition, it is best to take your child for regular dental examinations.
Wrapping Up
Bruxism, a condition that can lead to headaches, ear or jaw pain, and even permanently damage the teeth, is frustrating for both kids and their parents. Therefore, don’t wait to consult a pediatric dentist in San Antonio.
