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Treatments
• Most kids outgrow bruxism,
but a combination of parental
observation and dental visits
can help keep the problem in
check until they do.
• In cases where the grinding
and clenching make a child's
face and jaw sore or damage
the teeth, a pediatric dentist
or general dentist may
prescribe a special night
guard. Molded to a child's
teeth, the night guard is
similar to the protective
mouthpieces worn by athletes.
• Children with upper airway
obstruction are sent to an
ENT specialist for further
evaluation. Kids with severe
psychological problems are
referred for therapy. Children
or adolescents who are
taking medications that may
cause bruxism are discussed
with the child's primary
care provider including
whether it's possible to switch
medications.
Tips to help a child
with bruxism
1. Whether the cause is physical
or psychological, kids might
be able to control bruxism by
relaxing before bedtime. For
example, by taking a warm
bath or shower, listening to
a few minutes of soothing
music, or reading a book.
2. It is recommended that
children in preschool get
Effects of
bruxism
In some
circumstances,
grinding and
clenching can wear
down tooth enamel
and chip teeth.
Other trauma to
the dentition and
supporting tissues
include thermal
hypersensitivity,
tooth hypermobility,
injury to the
periodontal ligament
and periodontium,
hypercementosis,
fractured cusps
and pulpitis, and
pulpal necrosis.
Continued bruxism
can cause severe
facial pain and jaw
problems, such as
temporomandibular
joint disease (TMJ).
between 11 to 13 hours of
nightly sleep.
3. Try massage and stretching
exercises to relax the muscles.
4. For bruxism that's caused
by stress, ask about what's
upsetting your child and find
a way to help. For example,
a child who is worried about
being away from home,
reassure him/her that mom
or dad will be nearby if
needed. If the issue is more
complicated, discuss your
child's/teen’s concerns and
try to ease any fears.
5. Taking kids for routine dental
visits can help find and treat
bruxism.
H
(Credit: Specialist Pediatric
Dentist Dr. Anukriti Pathak)
25
Nov/Dec 2016