Kids grinding teeth: what parents should do?
Photo by Chris J. Davis on Unsplash
Teeth grinding is a condition usually experienced by kids, but even some adults struggle with this issue. Still, if you notice the first signs of bruxism when your child is asleep, it’s advisable to take the matter into your own hands and help them protect their teeth.
There are many reasons why a child may grind their teeth in their sleep. Bruxism usually happens when a child is under a lot of stress or in pain due to malocclusion of teeth, but here are some ways to relieve their tension or pain and improve the quality of your child’s sleep.
Causes of bruxism
As mentioned earlier, your child may grind their teeth due to stress or a medical condition. Although most medical professionals aren’t exactly sure what causes bruxism, some dentists confirmed that teeth grinding can be a common symptom of stress. In some cases, a child may grind their teeth because they’re under a lot of pressure, and others do it because their teeth aren’t properly aligned.
Although bruxism isn’t a life-threatening condition, it can lead to dental issues in the future. So, if you notice any signs of bruxism, be sure to talk to your child’s dentists first and use proper techniques to relieve their symptoms.
When you should worry about bruxism
Although bruxism is very common, here are some signs that your child may need professional help. For example, bruxism can become a problem for many parents and their children if the child is frequently waking up in the middle of the night due to tooth pain and jaw soreness.
However, if you notice any signs of wear on your child’s teeth, that should be a clear sign that teeth grinding isn’t just a harmless stage in your child’s development. Teeth grinding can also damage the soft tissues in your child’s mouth or cause headaches and tooth sensitivity.
How to help your child?
One of the first things you should do is take into account your child’s mental state. If they’re having trouble at school, or they don’t know how to create healthy coping mechanisms that can help relieve stress, you might want to schedule an appointment with a child’s psychologist or talk to the school counselor to find more information about your child’s behavior at school.
Next, ensure that your child eats a healthy and balanced diet. On top of that, encourage your child to drink more water since, in some cases, dehydration can be linked to bruxism. Finally, it wouldn’t hurt to encourage your child to open up and talk about their feelings. As a parent, you should find a new approach and show your child that you’re there for them in case they’re having trouble at school or if they’re dealing with other issues on their own.
Are there any other solutions?
If, after talking to your child and encouraging them to eat healthier and drink more water, you still notice that they’re grinding their teeth at night, you should consider some other options that will improve the quality of their sleep.
For example, anti-bruxism mouth guards can prevent teeth grinding and protect your child’s teeth from wear and tear. If left untreated, bruxism can cause severe dental issues, which is why it’s advisable to find a reliable supplier and encourage your child to use mouth guards at night. Nightguards can also help relieve headaches and improve your child’s breathing pattern – says this cosmetic dentist in Paramus NJ.
Visit the dentist
As you already know, bruxism can damage your child’s teeth and soft tissue in the mouth, which is why it’s essential to schedule regular dentist appointments and prevent cavities and other dental diseases and infections. An experienced dentist can help your child take better care of their teeth, but they can also notice signs of wear and tear and give you more information on how to treat bruxism.
Conclusion
As a parent, it isn’t easy to determine whether your child grinds their teeth due to stress or a medical condition. However, by teaching your child how to take care of their teeth, using proper equipment, and scheduling regular dental visits, your child will manage to get rid of this habit and prolong the life of their teeth.
Author BIO
Maggie Holmes is a passionate blog writer who is extremely keen on writing about fashion, lifestyle, and health. Her exclusive hobby is to surf the net to find amazing articles that can inspire her with some fresh ideas for article writing. She loathes being a common person who wastes her time. Follow her on Twitter.