Teeth Grinding In Child: Best Ways To Treat This Oral Condition

Teeth grinding in child is also possible, and not for an adult only. Kids can also experience the gnashing and grinding of teeth without their knowledge. For this reason, you have to find a professional for bruxism to address this immediately.

As parents, they are the closest person to children who can notice these medical conditions. Although, the majority can outgrow this condition in the long run.

Teeth grinding in child

Bruxism is the medical term that refers to the grinding of teeth or clenching of the jaws. Additionally, it can happen either when you are awake or during your sleep at night.

Even children can experience this medical condition. However, the dentists and other experts are still not entirely sure about the reason why bruxism happens.

Stress and intense emotions, such as anger or nervousness, can cause teeth grinding in a child. Additionally, a confrontation with parents or their siblings can even cause bruxism as well.

Pediatric dentist

Even though children can outgrow bruxism as they age, it would still be best to bring them to a dentist.

Your child’s dentist can assist you with the continuous observation of their bruxism. This way, they can apply immediate action, if necessary.

A child’s dentist is also who we call a pediatric dentist. They have intense training and education about treating children’s dental health issues.

As a result, they have more experience on how to approach your children. Aside from that, they can think of ways to make your kids comfortable during their dental appointment.

However, as parents, you have to ensure you made the best selection of your child’s dentist.

Best ways to address teeth grinding

Here are a few tips to help your child get over their teeth grinding successfully.

1. Try to do relaxing activities before their bedtime. For example, let them have a warm bath, play soothing music, or read books that interest them.
2. Maintain open communication with your children. Ask them if something is stressing them out and try to do something about it.
3. If your kids are severely anxious, consider bringing them to a professional therapist.
4. The dentist can also recommend wearing night mouth guards to protect your kid’s teeth.
5. Furthermore, you have to help your child keep their teeth strong. Ask your dentist about the best fluoride toothpaste suitable for children.

These simple tips can help work out your child’s bruxism. If not, a child’s dentist will be your best ally to treat it continuously.

A dentist will help the parents monitor the condition and record every progress about it.

After-effects of bruxism

Teeth grinding can cause several effects, which can either be short-term or long-term. However, some of these effects can be alarming in the long run.

1. Bruxism can damage the teeth or jaw. Continuous grinding can lead to severe wear and tear that causes painful chewing.
2. Additionally, it can cause persistent headaches.
3. Furthermore, a person with bruxism can suffer severe facial or jaw pain.
4. Untreated bruxism may lead to the development of temporomandibular joint disorders.
5. Prolonged bruxism can also significantly affect their sleep. Children need sufficient sleep as they are still in their developmental stage.

Parents should not only take into consideration the complications mentioned above. There could be underlying causes that need attention.

An example of this is that the child may be suffering from behavioral issues leading to this medical condition.

As parents, it would be best to notice and observe the children very well. Addressing the early signs of bruxism will help get the immediate treatment necessary.

Conclusion

The children will never be aware or cannot tell the exact reason they have pain and discomfort.

Being observant of their gestures and actions will help determine whether something is going on with your child.

As parents, it is also not possible that you know all the answers to your child’s condition. For this reason, asking a medical professional would be better.

Note to parents

It will never be a mistake to ask for assistance for your kids’ health concerns. What’s not right is solving them on your own.

In this case, you might be putting your child’s life at risk. Even though your kids can outgrow bruxism, working with your dentist is still your best option.