The Dental Ark 915.855.2337 
Do You Have a Grinder on Your Hands?
One of the most common concerns in childhood dentistry is bruxism (teeth grind). It’s right up there with cavities and thumb sucking when it comes to bad habits. It’s one of the things we keep an eye out for at Stevensons Dental Ark and The Dental Ark during dental checkups.
Teeth grinding, or clenching is a common occurrence in children when they are sleeping. It can also manifest itself in the form of teeth clenching during the day. It can be detrimental to the development of juvenile teeth and jaws. If there’s any good news here, it’s that most kids grow out of it eventually.
Why do some children grind thier teeth?
We’re not sure why some children grind their teeth while others do not. Some people grind their teeth because their top and bottom teeth aren’t aligned properly, while others use it to relieve tooth discomfort – similar to rubbing a painful muscle.
Then there’s the issue of stress. This is most common in school-aged children who are concerned about homework or a new teacher. It could also be the result of a fight with a sibling or a disagreement with a parent. Some children are simply hyperactive.
Keep an eye on your sleeping little ones.
Keeping an eye on your children while they sleep is always a good idea. First and foremost, it’s lovely to watch kids sleeping soundly. However, if your teeth are grinding, you may be able to hear the gnashing sounds. Please let us know if you do.
During a dental examination, we are likely to notice the indicators. Grinding and clenching your teeth can wear down the enamel on your teeth and even cause them to chip. That will be obvious to us. There could be an increase in temperature sensitivity, as well as jaw or facial pain. Tell us if your child complains about it.
TMD is feasible in some instances. TMJD (temporomandibular joint disorder) is an acronym for the temporomandibular joint disorder. TMD is uncommon in children, even in those who have bruxism.
Wearing a nightguard, which is a plastic mouth guard similar to what sportsmen wear, is a typical treatment for bruxism. It won’t stop you from grinding your teeth, but it will protect them and provide a cushion.
Consult the experts!
Remember that the majority of children outgrow it. However, if your child grinds his or her teeth, please inform us at your next exam and cleaning. Make an appointment right now.
