TEETH GRINDING

Parents are often worried about their child’s teeth grinding. Teeth grinding (Bruxism) is common among children, found to occur mostly at nights during sleep, but can also occur during the day. There are many theories behind the cause of bruxism, including misaligned top and bottom teeth, pressure in the inner ear, or stress due to the environment. Parents should not worry, as most children will outgrow it. A combination of parent observation and dental visits can help us monitor and keep the problem in check. You can help your child by having them relax at night with a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to music. Refrain from having your child watch television before bedtime, as this can lead to stress.

If your child is in her mid to late teen and young adult stage, we may be able to fabricate a mouth appliance that can aid in protecting the teeth and relieve pressure on the joint/muscles while grinding.

Besides grinding, if you notice your child snores, or stops breathing during sleep, this may be a sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Please contact our office for an evaluation.