As a parent, we want our children to grow up happy and healthy. This means we care about their dental health, as well as their overall physical health, so if you hear your child grinding their teeth at night it is undoubtedly going to cause concern. Grinding your teeth is known as bruxism, and while hearing your child grinding their teeth in their sleep is not a dental emergency, it can lead to dental problems if not addressed.
Signs of Bruxism
Bruxism is actually pretty common, and can impact people of all ages, including young children and adolescents. If you are not sure your child is grinding their teeth or clenching their jaw at night, watch out for the following signs:
- Cracked or Chipped Teeth
- Worn Down Tooth Surfaces
- Jaw Pain
- Earaches
- Headaches
- Trouble Sleeping
- Sensitivity to Heat and Cold
- Craze Lines
Causes of Bruxism
Many children suffer from bruxism and do not even realize it. There are various reasons for it, including such things as anxiety, stress, untreated physical pain, and even hyperactivity. Fortunately, despite these causes, many children outgrow bruxism. When they do not, there are treatment methods available.
Treatment Options
A common, reliable solution to teeth grinding is custom-made dental night-guards. These are small inserts that protect teeth while your child is asleep by providing a barrier between the top and bottom rows of teeth.
In situations where a night-guard does not help, your dentist may consider looking into potential structural issues, such as jaw misalignment.
Pure Dental Spa – A Dentist Close to Bloomingdale
If you believe your child is grinding their teeth at night, contact Pure Dental Spa today and schedule an appointment with us, your trusted dentist in Bloomingdale and Chicago. We offer comprehensive exams and custom dental night-guard appliances.