Teeth Grinding
At Smileworld Pediatric Dentistry, we have a dedicated pediatric dental team who are passionate about ensuring your child has a healthy smile. If your child is suffering from nighttime teeth grinding, we have effective solutions to alleviate this condition and improve their overall quality of life.
Do You Know About Bruxism?
Bruxism is a prevalent condition in children which involves involuntary clenching and grinding of teeth. This can occur at any time but is most common during sleep. A range of factors can lead to teeth grinding, from stress and hyperactivity to misaligned teeth and certain medical conditions.
Noticing The Signs Of Bruxism
Some signs that your child may be suffering from bruxism include:
- Grinding noises when your child is asleep
- Discomfort when chewing
- Reports of a sore jaw or face upon waking
- Frequent headaches or earaches
- Increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Chipped or worn dental surfaces
In many situations, children outgrow bruxism without it causing significant problems. However, until your child overcomes this issue it is essential to monitor their oral health. Regular dental checkups every six months allow us to oversee their oral condition and provide timely interventions.
How Do We Treat Bruxism?
The most typical approach to treating bruxism is using a night guard. This custom-made appliance is worn during sleep and it prevents teeth from clenching and grinding, thereby avoiding potential damage. Apart from this, we suggest methods for your child to unwind before bedtime and tactics to identify and handle stress triggers.