What Is Bruxism And Why Should You Care?
December 31st, 2011 by Bill E. Kidd
Bruxism is the term used to describe jaw clenching and grinding of the teeth. This is most common during sleep, but it often occurs during daytime hours as well. While many studies haven’t found a root cause for the problem, there seem to be some correlating factors that lead to its onset.
Causes of Bruxism
Bruxism is often associated with stress and hyperactivity in children. Hearing the clashing of teeth coming from your child’s room at night can be disheartening, but it is possible to control. Children have stressors that don’t often come out in the same manner as adults.
Sometimes a change of scenery, problems at school or issues in the home can cause undue stress. Bruxism is also highly connected to ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) because of the energetic, wired style of life that many ADHD children have.
What Bruxism Leads To
Usually, the gritting of the jaw and the milling of teeth will disappear over time. For others, this medical condition will cause further damage. Some issues that can develop are wearing of the tooth enamel, facial pain, headaches, and more extreme jaw issues like TMJ or TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder).
So while only a small number of those that show the signs of Bruxism develop further problems, as a parent you need to be cautious. When you suspect that your child may be grinding or clenching you need to keep your eye on the warning signs that the condition may be progressing.
What To Do For Treatment of Bruxism
If you or your dentist notices the signs of Bruxism, there are many ways to ensure that it doesn’t get any worse. Many times a dentist will recommend a nighttime mouth guard to make sure the grinding doesn’t continually wear away at tooth enamel and cause further damage.
Making sure your child is fully relaxed and free of stress before bedtime is also important. Since undue stress can lead to an acceleration of Bruxism, you should soothe your child and make sure any stressors they may have are freed from their mind. Relaxing activities such as soothing music at bedtime may help calm your child.
Going Forward
Bruxism is a medical condition that is often outgrown after childhood. It can be caused by a number of things including stress and ADHD. As a parent you can make sure that your child doesn’t continually display signs that can lead to further damage.
If you believe your child may be showing the warning signs of Bruxism, you should take the proper steps to ensure it doesn’t get out of hand. Helping your child to manage stress can go a long way in preventing future grinding and clenching. Consult your favorite pediatric dentist to determine what steps are right for treating bruxism in your child.
Looking for something?
Latest Articles Added:
