Maybe you've noticed that your child grinds his/her teeth while sleeping. Or, perhaps you grind your teeth. Concerned? With the proper attention, there is no need to fear.
Let’s take a look at the causes, effects, solutions that WebMD offers to teeth grinders:
I grind my teeth. This must mean I am stressed out, right? Not necessarily.
It’s true that stress and anxiety can lead a person to grind his/her teeth, but it’s more likely that a physical issue is happening within the mouth. That’s right—teeth grinding is often caused by an irregular bite or teeth shape.
Also, did you know that about 15-33% of children are teeth grinders? This often occurs in children at two developmental stages—when baby teeth begin to grow and when adult teeth begin to grow.
Ok, so maybe I grind my teeth. Why does this matter?
The effects of teeth grinding can be harmful. Effects can include fractured and loosened teeth, as well as altogether loss of teeth. Bottom-line: if you or your child is a teeth grinder, be sure to consult your dentist.
So, are teeth grinders doomed? Definitely not.
As mentioned above, visiting the dentist should be your first step. He/she will help you determine the cause and examine your particular situation in full.
If you and your dentist determine that stress is the root of the problem, try implementing stress reduction habits into your daily routine. Exercising, meditation, and participating art are just three of the many ways that can aid in coping with stress.
Perhaps your teeth grinding is a result of a sleeping disorder. In this case, you and your doctor will need to determine the best course of action.
Diet may play a role in this habit. Food and drinks containing alcohol and caffeine can contribute to teeth grinding. Also, lack of sufficient water consumption may be linked to teeth grinding.
In addition to addressing the root of the issue, your dentist can also fit you or your child for a mouth guard to be worn while you sleep. This will prevent you from unconsciously causing damage to your teeth.
Regardless of the cause of you or your child’s teeth grinding habit, it’s important to speak with your dentist, so that he/she can diagnose the root of the problem and then set a game-plan to address this issue.