Teeth grinding or bruxism is not simply an annoying habit. What some do not know is that it can have painful consequences, no matter how old you are. Lots of parents visit dental offices to inquire about teeth grinding in children. That is not surprising because about 30% of kids suffer from bruxism at one point or another. You might think this is a problem that you should just ignore, but it’s not. It can be easily solved by wearing fitted night guards from DLA that your dentist can get you.

Why Does Teeth Grinding Happen?

There are different factors that can cause teeth grinding, including a problem with the alignment of the teeth. Aside from that, it can also be caused by stress, anger, and tension. Certain illnesses like colds and ear infections can also lead to teeth grinding.

If you leave it untreated, bruxism can damage your child’s tooth enamel and it can even give him or her painful headaches, or worse, a joint disorder in the jaw. Over time, teeth grinding can cause this problem which is characterized by clicking sounds and pain when the jaw moves. Of course, this means that even the usual things that you do like eating, smiling, or talking can be really painful.

How Can Night Guards Help?

A night guard (mouth guard) is often recommended by dentists to prevent a child’s top and bottom teeth from making contact during the night. This is very effective for preventing the damage caused by teeth grinding. Aside from avoiding wear and tear on the enamel, this can also relieve the pressure that is placed on both the jaw and on the teeth caused by clenching. Your dentist can make impressions of your child’s teeth so a fitted mouth guard can be made.

Know that delay in the diagnosis and treatment of bruxism can lead to some long-term problems for your child that may include tooth damage, tooth loss, and jaw discomfort, among others. So make sure that you make an appointment for your child at your dentist’s office as soon as possible. If you are looking for a dentist for your child who can provide you with a customized night guard from Dental Laboratory Associates, you can contact us directly and we can refer you to one of our amazing dentists near your area. Let us help protect your child from the damage caused by bruxism!