Have you ever caught your 4-year-old gnashing their teeth? Perhaps your 5- or seven-year-old has already been experiencing headaches, and you are not sure if bruxism is to blame. Cumming, GA pediatric dentist is someone you should contact for help.
You have come to the right site if you are curious about bruxism or teeth grinding. You may stop grinding your teeth while you sleep by following these simple steps, which are detailed below:
Bruxism- What is it?
The term “bruxism” refers to teeth-clenching or grinding that occurs unconsciously. This could happen at any time of day or night, even while you are sleeping.
An estimated three out of ten kids brux before the age of five. It might be challenging to pinpoint the precise reason for bruxism in children because there are several potential contributing variables.
Children’s bruxism may have several causes, including:
- Pain that might be ear pain or teething pain
- misalignment of the jaw bones or the teeth
- Dehydration
- intake of coffee
- Changes in the surroundings or within the household that are causing stress
- health issues, such as cerebral palsy
- specific drug classes, notably selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and antipsychotics
Should I be worried if my child grinds or clenches their teeth?
As their teeth begin to erupt, kids frequently discontinue this behavior on their own. To ensure there is no underlying health issue present and to clear out the tension as a cause of teeth grinding, you must try to discover the root of the problem. Schedule a visit with a dentist if unsure what is prompting your child to grind their teeth.
Stopping a child from grinding their teeth
We advise you if you are wondering how to stop naturally grinding your teeth as you sleep.
- Provide a teething toy to your youngster (or DIY toy).
Consider providing your child with baby teething toys to chomp down on or a moist towel as a homemade teething toy if teething is the reason behind the behavior. It may help to relieve some of the strain of chomping down on an object other than your teeth.
- Make sure your youngster is getting enough water to drink.
Clenching and grinding are two things that can result from dehydration and/or caffeine use. Encourage your kid to drink the suggested quantity of water every day:
- Children ages 1 to 3 require roughly 4 water cups each day.
- Children aged four to eight require roughly five water cups per day.
- Seven and eight cups of water each day is necessary for children over the age of 8.
