How to Help Your Child Stop Grinding Their Teeth

Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding can affect people of all ages, including children. It’s important to keep an eye on your child for signs of teeth grinding. If they are grinding their teeth, there may be an underlying dental or health issue. Here’s what you need to know about teeth grinding and how to help your child stop the habit.

Common Causes of Teeth Grinding

There are a variety of factors that can cause teeth grinding. Here is a list of some of the most common contributors.

• Abnormal bite
• Crooked teeth
• Erupting teeth
• Obstructive sleep apnea

What Happens if a Child’s Teeth Grinding Is Left Untreated

Generally when children grind their teeth it is a phase that will pass. Often it coincides with their baby teeth erupting or their permanent teeth coming in. However, if your child has been grinding their teeth for an extended period of time, this can wreak havoc on their teeth. If left untreated, teeth grinding can cause other problems too.

• Chronic headaches
• Worn-down teeth
• Fractured teeth
• Jaw joint damage

Treatments for Teeth Grinding

If your child’s teeth grinding doesn’t go away on its own, it’s time to consult a dentist at Pleasanton Children’s Dentistry & Braces. The longer teeth grinding is left untreated, the more likely lasting damage will occur. The first thing we will do is identify the underlying issue. Then, a customized treatment plan will be created after the origin of the grinding is discovered. One of the most common treatments for teeth grinding is a professional-grade nightguard. A nightguard provides a thick layer of protection between the top and bottom teeth. It also helps reposition the jaw to minimize grinding. Your child’s dentist may also recommend jaw stretches and massages to help alleviate pressure and relax the jaw.

Schedule Your Child’s Teeth Grinding Consultation

Is your child suffering from teeth grinding? At Pleasanton Children’s Dentistry & Braces, we are committed to helping kids achieve great oral health. We have extensive experience treating a wide variety of dental cases and will provide personalized care for your child. Please contact us to book your child’s teeth grinding consultation!

Image by Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Categorised in: Bruxism, Oral Health

This post was written by Pleasanton Children’s Dentistry & Braces