Hearing teeth clenching sounds while your child is sleeping may stop you for a while and force you to observe your baby for a bit. Teeth grinding is a common condition among children. The good news is there is a way how to stop a child from grinding their teeth at night. It is necessary to treat them immediately because grinding your teeth might damage your tooth enamel, leading to other dental problems. This article will help you find out the appropriate way to help your child stop grinding their teeth.
About Bruxism
Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is the conscious or unconscious clenching or grinding of teeth. This condition frequently occurs in children. Usually, you may have heard your youngster doing it while sleeping. At times, kids will clench their teeth during the day when they feel apprehensive. However, most of the kids will soon stop grinding their teeth. This phase typically occurs when they lose their impermanent teeth.
Symptoms of Bruxism
Physical side effects are typically identified with the teeth and jaw. The child’s teeth may appear worn out or could be chipped. Since teeth grinding can damage tooth enamel, child’s teeth can be exposed to future dental problems. For example, tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages.
Kids who grind their teeth frequently tell they have a sore jaw. This symptom can occur when they awaken or when they are biting. Also, teeth grinding can cause earaches, headaches, and facial pain. Too much grinding can result in TMJ or temporomandibular joint issues.
A child who grinds his or her teeth can likewise be attached to emotional symptoms, such as:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Tension
- eating disorders
Some individuals grind their teeth and do not get any side effects. They may not know that they are doing it, mainly if they grind their teeth when sleeping. In some cases, the only approach individuals realize they suffer from bruxism is because relatives hear them grinding their teeth while they are sleeping.
Causes of Bruxism
Specialists are not always sure why bruxism occurs. Sometimes, children may granulate because they have misaligned upper and bottom teeth as expected. Other kids do it as a reaction to pain, for example, from an ear infection or teething. Children may grind their teeth to alleviate the pain, similarly as they may rub a sore muscle.
Another cause is stress. For example, a child may worry over a test at school or adjust to a daily schedule. In any event, arguing with parents and siblings can put sufficient pressure to prompt jaw clenching or teeth grinding.
A few hyperactive children likewise have bruxism. Furthermore, kids with other ailments like cerebral palsy or who take some medicines can have bruxism.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Bruxism
A physical test can help a doctor or dentist identify if your child grinds their teeth at night. The doctor will see the presence of worn enamel and teeth. Medical experts frequently consider teeth grinding as a finding when a patient grumbles of any facial or oral torment, as well as soreness while biting. A test can likewise preclude various reasons for your child’s manifestations, like ear infections.
Most children outgrow bruxism. However, parental observation and dental checkups can help hold the issue under tight restraints until they stop grinding their teeth.
So, how to stop a child from grinding their teeth at night? Parents can purchase an over-the-counter mouth guard or visit a dentist to get a prescribed special night guard. Nightguards, or dental splints, are ideal for your child who has bruxism or TMJ disorder. This mouth protection has a resemblance to protective mouthguards worn by athletes. Although your child may need time to become accustomed to a mouthguard, positive outcomes happen rapidly.
Helping Children to Stop Grinding Their teeth
Regardless of whether the reason is physical or mental, there is a way how to stop a child from grinding their teeth at night. For instance, reading a book, getting a warm bath or shower, or tuning in to a few minutes of soothing music.
Parents can also talk to their children to figure out how to help, especially if bruxism is due to stress. For instance, a child who becomes anxious because of being away from home for a first outdoors may require reassurance that parents will be nearby if necessary.
In case the problem is more complex, like moving to another town, talk about your kid’s concerns and try to facilitate any feelings of dread. If you are worried, contact your doctor or psychologist.
At times, some stress relievers are not sufficient to stop your child from grinding their teeth at night. If your kid experiences difficulty sleeping or is acting in a different way than usual, your dentist or sleep doctor may recommend further assessment. This evaluation can help discover the reason for the stress and a proper progression of treatment.