Dental care is likely something that you take very seriously for yourself and your family members. If you tuck your child in at night only to hear tooth grinding later in the evening, this could be a reason to visit our children’s dentist in Yorba Linda. While this is not a dental emergency, it is considered a symptom of bruxism that should be addressed sooner than later.
Teeth grinding, medically called bruxism, impacts a variety of age groups, most notably adolescents. It is estimated that 15 percent of adolescents suffer from bruxism. Thankfully, a healthy smile is still completely possible!
Signs Your Child Grinds or Clenches at Night
If you aren’t sure whether or not your child is doing this at night, you can watch out for some red flags such as:
- Teeth that have chipped or cracked
- Enamel that has worn down
- Pain in the jaw
- Unexplained headaches or earaches
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Jaw pain
- Tooth fractures often referred to as craze lines
What Causes a Child to Grind Their Teeth While Sleeping?
Infants, children, and teens all may suffer from grinding their teeth at night, as it is something that can happen without their knowledge. There are a variety of reasons this may be happening, including stress, anxiety, hyperactivity, or physical pain.
Children grind their teeth less and less as they get older, so if your child is currently suffering from bruxism, chances are high that they will grow out of it with time. If they don’t, there are still solutions for adults who suffer as well!
Bruxism Treatment
Our pediatric dentists are happy to provide your child with the right solution to minimize teeth grinding at night. In many cases, we will recommend a custom nightguard to help protect your child’s teeth while they sleep. This helps protect their teeth from damage in the case that they grind at night without realizing it. Investing in a nightguard will give you peace of mind as a parent as well.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If your child is suffering from bruxism, or if you want to learn more information about your child’s oral health, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!
