It’s hard to not feel concerned when you see your little child grinding their teeth. Is it normal? Should you call your dentist in Downtown Edmonton?
For children, grinding or clenching their teeth usually isn’t something you should be worried about. For infants, it can be due to teething, which eventually goes away.
Babies also love exploring the world through their mouths and clenching may occasionally be a part of it. For toddlers, on the other hand, teeth grinding may be connected to their feelings.
But there are symptoms that you can consider to know if you should seek help.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is a medical term that refers to teeth grinding. It’s common among kids but most of them outgrow it.
Children may grind their teeth or clench their jaw in response to mouth development, while sleeping, when under stress, or when they’re playing with their mouths.
Common causes of bruxism
The cause of bruxism remains unclear.
It can be due to teeth alignment issues or is a response to discomfort or pain. You may also see it occur when your child is angry, upset, or worried.
Medical conditions, hyperactivity, or intake of certain medications are also linked to bruxism.
It can be hard to tell whether you should be concerned especially for babies as they cannot communicate yet. Some children may be doing it because they find it fun.
When should you seek help?
To determine whether you should contact your doctor or family dentist, it helps to observe your child carefully. How often do you notice them grinding their teeth? How loud or severe is it?
Here are more signs that you might need to seek help from healthcare professionals:
- Loud grinding noise that doesn’t seem to subside
- Headaches
- Premature wear and tear on teeth
- Jaw pain
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Damage to soft tissues of the mouth, such as the lips, gums, and cheeks
Taking your child to a dentist in Downtown Edmonton
Teeth grinding among kids usually isn’t serious.
Sometimes, family members feel bothered more because of the noise. Most babies and toddlers who grind their teeth or clench their jaws also don’t have problems with their jaw, such as TMJ disorders.
However, if their habit persists and they don’t seem to be growing out of it, please feel free to speak to your health care provider or dentist.
Here at Central Dental in Downtown Edmonton, we welcome young children and families. If you have questions about your child’s oral health, please get in touch with us today at 780-424-6699. Set an appointment with one of our dentists. Let’s examine your child’s mouth for potential issues.