Bruxism, which most individuals know as teeth grinding, is a common condition in about 30 percent of children. If it becomes a regular habit, it can become serious. The best course of action to take if you have a child who is grinding their teeth is to consult with a nearby kids dentist Chandler specialist. They can assess the situation and come up with a solution.
Teeth Grinding In Kids – Causes, Effects And Treatment
What Causes Teeth Grinding in Children?
While there are a number of reasons why your child may grind their teeth, it usually stems from a couple of primary causes. Your child may have an abnormal bite, missing or crooked teeth, which causes gaps that will cause shifting when your child is sleeping. Another popular reason is due to sleeping disorders or stress. Some symptoms that accompany teeth grinding include having a sore jaw or a dull headache.
Teeth Grinding Effects
It’s important to address this problem if you have a child that is grinding their teeth. It can cause pain in your child’s ears or give them morning headaches. In addition, the enamel on your child’s teeth will start to wear down. This can bring about problems with chewing and sensitive teeth. If your child has bruxism and it isn’t addressed by a kids dentist Chandler professional near me, it can lead to long-term problems such as temporomandibular joint disorder. This condition damages the jaw and makes it difficult to open the mouth and chew.
Teeth Grinding Treatments for Children
If your child has a problem with teeth grinding, there are a number of treatment options available. One solution is to have Pediatric Dental Specialists in Chandler mold a mouth guard for the child so that they can wear it when they are sleeping. Another option involves changing a few habits. Stimulants such as caffeine are often the cause of jaw clenching. If it’s removed from your child’s diet, it may help eliminate teeth grinding. A third option is to help your child relieve stress by having them learn to recognize when they are grinding their teeth. By having them practice relaxation exercises, it can help alleviate the problem.