- What causes teeth grinding
- Is grinding your teeth at night a sign of worms?
- What to do in case of child bruxism
- How to identify infantile bruxism
- It is important to remember that it is also common for bruxism to happen in adults, mainly due to stress and anxiety.
Childhood bruxism can be treated with teeth protectors or bite plates made by the dentist to fit the child's teeth, in order to prevent wear. These plates should be used at night, which is when most children grit their teeth.
In addition, if bruxism is caused by dental problems, such as the use of braces or misalignment between the upper or lower teeth, for example, it is important to consult the dentist to institute appropriate treatment. The dentist must also monitor the development of the child's teeth and restore the teeth as they change and wear out.
What causes teeth grinding
The grinding of teeth at night has as main causes situations such as stress, anxiety, hyperactivity, nasal obstruction, use of medicines. Thus, the treatment of infantile bruxism may involve exercises and relaxation techniques guided by a psychologist.
Other less common causes are nasal obstruction, sleep apnea, ingestion of some medications or even when the child has an inflammation in the ear that causes pain, making teeth grind. In these cases, the pediatrician evaluates the child, indicates that some tests are performed and guides the appropriate treatment.
Is grinding your teeth at night a sign of worms?
Childhood bruxism is not a sign of worms, it is just an old popular belief about the grinding of teeth in children. To find out how to identify worms in your child, see: How to tell if your child has worms.
What to do in case of child bruxism
Some tips that can help parents deal with their child's stress and anxiety and, consequently, treat bruxism include:
- Reading a story before bed; Listening to relaxing music and that the child likes before bed; Giving the child a warm bath before going to bed; Put drops of lavender essential oil on the pillow; Talk to the child, asking what is there disturbing, like, for example, a school test or a discussion with a classmate, trying to find practical solutions to your problems.
In addition, parents should not prolong the child's use of a pacifier or bottle and should offer food to the child so that he can chew them, as the child may grind his teeth at night by not using chewing during the day.
How to identify infantile bruxism
Symptoms of childhood bruxism include:
- Sound production at night due to the grinding of the child's teeth while sleeping; Headache, ears or jaw after waking up; Pain when chewing.
In the presence of these symptoms, parents should consult a dentist and a pediatrician, as bruxism can cause poor teeth position, tooth wear, gum and jaw joint problems or headaches, ear and neck pain, which can affect the child's quality of life.
It is important to remember that it is also common for bruxism to happen in adults, mainly due to stress and anxiety.
