Teeth Grinding – What You Should Know
Do you hear the sound of jaws clenching or teeth gnashing when your child is asleep? These are signs that your little one may be grinding his or her teeth.
Teeth grinding, also known medically as bruxism, can be common in children. According to the University of Michigan Health System, teeth grinding in children may begin as early as 6 months or later when their teeth start to develop and again at age 5 when their permanent teeth start to come in.
Triggers for Teeth Grinding
Some of the reasons include:
- Your toddler’s teeth are not aligned properly
- Stressful situations caused by a shift in routine or due to exterior factors like after-school activities, tests or arguing at home.
- The result of certain medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy, or medications
A majority of children who develop bruxism do so without any harmful effects and will eventually outgrow the condition. However, there are instances where it can cause facial pain, headaches, earaches and jaw pain.
In some cases, grinding and clenching of teeth can wear down the tooth enamel leading to increased sensitivity and even tooth loss. In severe cases, a child may suffer from a temporomandibular joint disease, otherwise known as TMJ.
If you’re worried about your child’s teeth-grinding, schedule a dental checkup for a proper diagnosis and further treatment with the qualified dental experts at Carolina Smiles Dentistry.
We will evaluate the cause(s) of your child’s teeth grinding and determine what treatment will work best for him or her. With timely and appropriate treatment, you can prevent long-term, major damage from happening.
Our office specializes in children and teen oral health care. Children will find the underwater theme in our office particularly intriguing and inviting. Our goal is to make sure the dentist office is a positive experience for young children, while instilling in them good oral hygiene habits they can take with them throughout adulthood. We encourage you to schedule an appointment for your child with us today at (919) 620-6700.
