The sound is undeniable. Your child grating and grinding their teeth can give you the same biting reaction as nails on a chalkboard. Is it something you’ve heard while they’re asleep? Do you have a kiddo who keeps waking up with headaches, dark circles, and poor sleep? In all of our years in Woodlands pediatric dentistry, we’ve come to know that teeth grinding in kids or bruxism is a common occurrence.
Allow your friends at The Woodlands Dental Group to explain.
What is Bruxism?
When you grind your teeth or clench, most often without even knowing it, this is called bruxism. Your child can be grinding their day away while awake or at night during dream time. Studies have shown that nearly three out of every ten kids have experienced bruxism before they reach their fifth birthday.
Why Are They Clenching and Grinding?
Your Woodlands dentist knows that there are various reasons why a child might be grinding their teeth or clenching their jaw. Teeth that aren’t aligned quite right or excess stress from something like a school test could cause a flare up. This can lead to jaw pain, headaches, earaches, and more. Also, be on the lookout for:
- Issues with dehydration
- Caffeine consumption
- Underlying medical conditions
- Side effects from certain medications
Should Parents Be Worried About Bruxism?
While clenching and grinding can be concerning at any age, it’s good to know that sometimes this habit will correct itself with time. When helping parents learn more about children’s dentistry in The Woodlands, we often talk about bruxism and what they should be on the lookout for. We want to work together to identify the root cause of why your little one is bruxing. Your Woodlands dentist will want to know more about:
- Grinding during sleeping
- Complaints about pain or discomfort
- Trouble chewing food or speaking
We’ll also use our advanced training and technology to look closely at their tooth enamel. This helps us to detect chips, cracks, and sensitivity.
As children age and grow, it’s essential to know why they’re grinding their teeth to avoid potential damage to permanent teeth. Please reach out to us for a consultation. Talk to Dr. Leslie Blackburn (Pediatric Dentistry) today and stress less! If your little one is struggling with bruxism, we have a caring, gentle dentist in The Woodlands who can help.
Our other in-demand dentists at The Woodlands Dental Group also include:
- Dr. Robert Dernick (General, Cosmetic, Implant Dentistry, and TMJ)
- Dr. Mike Freeman (General, Cosmetic, Implant, Sleep Apnea, and TMJ)
- Dr. Alisa Reed (General, Cosmetic, Implant, Laser, Sleep Apnea, and TMJ)
- Dr. Wade Williams (Orthodontics)
- Dr. Nikita Vakil (General, Cosmetic, Implant Dentistry)
- Dr. Leslie Blackburn (Pediatric Dentistry)
