Most parents are happy simply to get their children to sleep, but have you ever seen their child grinding his or her teeth? Teeth grinding, often known as “bruxism,” is a condition that can cause dental problems in adulthood. Bruxism is characterized by teeth clenching and grinding. Is it, however, harmful for babies and youngsters to grind their teeth?
What causes clenching and grinding of teeth?
While there is no clear consensus on the reason why newborns grind their teeth, most las vegas pediatric dentist believe it’s because they’re attempting to comfort sore gums during teething. Some people feel that your children are simply experimenting with their new smile to get used to the sensation of having teeth.
Teething may be caused by a variety of things, and in certain situations, tooth grinding might also indicate airway or breathing issues. Grinding may be short-term or recurrent in some circumstances. Teeth grinding can wear down the enamel on the teeth’s surface and cause discomfort.
Children’s teeth grinding has been linked to one or more of the following issues:
- central (anxiety, neuropathic disorder)
- local (mouth breathing, posture).
When a kid is worried or anxious, it’s typical for him or her to grind their teeth. Teeth grinding can occur while the child is sleeping or awake, and there has been a link between snoring and sleep-disordered breathing patterns (e.g., frequent mouth breathing and snoring during sleep) in children.
As a parent, what should I be on the lookout for?
It can be difficult to tell if your child grinds their teeth because they may not be aware of it. Check on them at night to check whether they’re grinding their teeth while they’re sleeping, which is the best way. Bruxism is a loud condition, and some parents have reported hearing it from another room! It can be helpful to ask a sibling who shares a room with you. If your child has a painful jaw or difficulty chewing, these symptoms could be evidence of bruxism. Is there anything that makes them particularly worried or angry? If these feelings are accompanied by the sound of teeth grinding while they sleep, it’s time to pay attention. In general, children are stressed, and you may need to address the underlying cause with medical treatment or other stress-relieving techniques before bedtime, such as a warm bath or listening to music.
If grinding is occurring in relation to sleep disordered breathing, it may be time to have a discussion with a paediatric ear nose and throat specialist (ENT). They can assess the child’s airways and ensure there is no obstruction, or even consider a sleep study to check for sleep apnoea.