Blog
Does your child grind their teeth at night? You may not know until they report noticeable pain or display dental damage in the form of a fractured tooth. Grinding teeth, a condition known as bruxism, affects many people – regardless of their age. Although this condition be a serious headache (literally), solutions are readily available.
You might suffer from bruxism and not even know it – the condition most commonly occurs during the time that we’re asleep. This constant grinding can cause serious damage to our teeth over time, even open the door to more serious health complications when left untreated. If you think your child might be affected, your pediatric dentist can help make a proper diagnosis.
Stress is considered a major catalyst for bruxism. Symptoms of bruxism are easiest to read in the morning time, as a result of grinding throughout the night. These symptoms include a dull, chronic headache, sore jaw, tooth sensitivity to hot or cold, inflamed gums and wounds on the inside of the cheek that occur as a result of biting. If your child ever exhibits these signs, it’s best to schedule a checkup with the dentist.
The safest way to treat bruxism is through having a custom mouth guard made by your dentist. This thin plastic dental device is comfortable enough for every night wear, preventing the teeth from causing damage as they grind. Curbing the physical effects of bruxism should be your top priority.
There are other solutions you can try from home to limit nightly grinding. Does your child have a lot on their plate as of late? Make a concerted effort to limit their daily stress. Find ways to help them relax and alleviate tension that might be attributing to bruxism. Make the period just before bedtime a time to relax – read a story or play soft music to help wind your child down.
More information on bruxism is provided, just follow the link!
