The problem of bruxism, otherwise known as teeth
grinding, is not limited to adults.
According WebMD, approximately 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth.
Children who grind their teeth tend to do so at two peak times in their lives –
(1) when their baby teeth emerge and (2) when their permanent teeth come in.[1] Some of this potential grinding is protected
or goes unnoticed because of thumb sucking, which can cause a different set of problems. However,
most children who do not suck their thumbs while sleeping lose the teeth
grinding habit shortly after these two sets of teeth have come in more fully.
While it is more common for children grinding
their teeth to do it during sleep rather than during waking hours, it has not
been determined exactly why children grind their teeth. There are several theories which include
improperly aligned teeth or irregular contact between upper and lower teeth,
illnesses and other medical conditions (such as nutritional deficiencies,
pinworm, allergies, endocrine disorders), and psychological factors including
anxiety and stress, and all of which appear to be unsubstantiated theory.
The main reason there has been very little
study on children grinding their baby teeth is that it rarely results in
problems. However, teeth grinding can
cause jaw pain, headaches, wear on the teeth, and TMD.[2] Consult your dentist if your child's teeth
look worn or if your child complains of tooth sensitivity or pain.
Should teeth grinding result in a real
problem for your child, here are some specific tips to help stop teeth grinding:[3]
1. Where possible, decrease
your child's stress, especially just before bedtime.
2. Try massage and stretching
exercises to relax the muscles.
3. Make sure your child's diet
includes plenty of water. There is some thought that dehydration may be linked
to teeth grinding.
4. Ask your dentist to monitor
your child's teeth if he or she is a grinder.
Possibly consult a pedodontist (children’s dentist) and pediatrician if
it becomes apparent that damage is occurring.
No intervention is usually required with
preschool-age children. However, older children may need temporary crowns or
other methods, such as a night guard, to prevent the grinding in their sleep.
Dr. Scheinfeld is an Emory trained prosthodontist
specializing in mandibular form and function.
Novy
Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
5471 Bells
Ferry Road, Suite 200
Acworth, GA
30102
770-928-7281
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ReplyDeleteSome cases, kids may grind because the top and bottom teeth aren't aligned properly. Others do it as a response to pain, such as an earache or teething. Kids might grind their teeth as a way to ease the pain, just as they might rub a sore muscle. Many kids outgrow these fairly common causes for grinding.
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