Have you discovered that your child has a teeth grinding habit? Are you worried that your child’s teeth are being damaged night after night during sleep? If so, you may be interested to know that teeth grinding (bruxism) rarely receives treatment in children. Read below as your Houston TX dentist, Dr. Deborah Gennero, explains why bruxism treatment is rare for kids.
Children and Bruxism
Did you know that 38 percent of children grind their teeth during sleep? The habit often begins around age three and is outgrown by age six. But why don’t these children receive treatment for their bruxism? The answer is that the forces generated by bruxism at these young ages do not pose a significant threat to the children’s teeth. There are, however, a few warning signs that you should keep in mind, should they occur in your child.
Warning Signs to Report to Your Houston TX Children’s Dentist
If your child has a teeth grinding habit, keep an eye out for the following warning signs:
- Frequently sore or sensitive teeth
- A frequently sore jaw
If your child complains of these symptoms, be sure to mention them to your Houston TX children’s dentist, Dr. Gennero. Although it is rare in young children, they could indicate stress and wear on your child’s teeth and temporomandibular joints (TMJs), the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull. In adults, stress from bruxism on the TMJs can sometimes result in what is called a TMJ disorder, which includes symptoms such as frequent headaches, migraines, earaches, facial pain, and jaw pain. TMJ disorders are by no means common in children, but if your child complains consistently of a sore jaw, mention your concerns to Dr. Gennero.
Schedule a Visit with Your Houston TX Children’s Dentist
When was your child’s last dental visit? If it was more than six months ago, the time has come for a checkup. Contact your Houston TX children’s dentist, Dr. Gennero, today at 281-578-6200 to schedule an appointment. Our 77084 dental office gladly treats patients in Clear Lake, The Woodlands, Katy, Sugarland, and surrounding cities.
