Tooth Grinding in Children

Teeth grinding is a significant concern amongst parents regarding their children.  Also known as bruxism, it involves the clenching and grinding of the teeth, causing damage to various parts of the mouth. At Unique Kids Pediatric Dentistry, the dentists attend 

Signs that your child may have Bruxism

• Chipped or Fractured Tooth
• Receding Gums
• Sensitivity to hot or cold food and beverages
• The sound made from grinding the teeth

What are the Types of Bruxism?

While sleeping, most children tend to grind their teeth as a response to stress or anxiety. This is referred to as sleep bruxism. They are not fully aware of clenching their teeth, making it challenging to identify the problem. Awake bruxism is a type of teeth grinding that involves clenching the teeth frequently during times when the child is awake. 

Treatment for Teeth Grinding

• Relief from Stress:The parent should try and understand the cause of stress in children. It should be resolved by the parent or a professional so that the stress experienced by the child can be managed and reduced.
• NIghtguards:It is an effective treatment option to reduce teeth grinding. It protects the teeth from the damage caused to teeth by shielding them from friction. 
• Bedtime Routine:A proper and timely bedtime routine can help provide quality sleep to the child. The parent can involve the activities the child prefers for sound sleep, like reading a book or listening to soothing music. 
• Medication:Several medicines are prescribed according to the type of bruxism experienced by the child. A pediatric dentist closely analyzes the requirement for medication. They advise other methods before recommending the use of medications, considering the different effects of the medicines. 

Final Note

Grinding or clenching the teeth can be a cause of jaw pain. Eventually, it can also lead to damage to the teeth. An efficient pediatric dentist can help address the condition and provide appropriate treatments to resolve teeth grinding. Visiting the dentist regularly can help in detecting the signs of the disease at the earliest. 

Unique Kids Pediatric Dentistry, located in New Caney, TX, is equipped with the best dentists and modern technologies that enable the best dental care facilities for patients. Call us at (832) 930-7732 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to learn more about the services provided at the dental practice.