I Think My Child Grinds Their Teeth. What Now?

Teeth grinding is a problem that can cause issues ranging from broken teeth to tooth sensitivity. Grinding your teeth could even cause your permanent teeth to become loose and could ultimately lead to a loss of permanent teeth. If your child grinds their teeth, it’s important to protect their teeth from damage. Knowing what tooth grinding is, and how to identify and manage this problem, is important. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a problem that occurs when a person grinds or gnashes their teeth, either when they’re under stress or when they’re asleep. Teeth grinding is considered a sleep-related movement disorder, and is not done intentionally.

Signs Your Child Grinds Their Teeth

If your child grinds their teeth, you may or may not notice signs of a problem. Here’s what to watch for:

• Your child is a poor sleeper
• Your child may make teeth clenching motions and grinding noises in their sleep
• Pain in the ear that comes and goes
• Soreness in the face and neck
• Injuries on the inside of the cheek
• Worn tooth enamel
• Permanent teeth are inexplicably loose
• Tooth sensitivity
• Headache starting at the temples

If your child complains about any of these symptoms, it could be bruxism.

See the Dentist

Talk to your child’s dentist to find out whether your child has bruxism. Make an appointment for a pediatric dental examination in Fort Collins, CO. Your child’s dentist should be able to tell by the type of damage your child’s teeth have sustained whether your child grinds their teeth in their sleep.

Get a Mouth Guard

If your child grinds their teeth, a mouth guard may be needed to protect your child’s teeth at night. The pediatric dentist can help you decide if a mouth guard will be necessary.

Want to help protect your child’s teeth? Speak with the pediatric dentist in Fort Collins CO. At Big Grins in Fort Collins, CO, we’re happy to help. We can identify teeth grinding and help you identify potential solutions that can protect your child. Call today to find out more.