Bruxism in children

 

Bruxism is a harmful behavior that can lead to serious damage to the teeth. Hence, it is essential to bring your child to the dentist for an assessment of bruxism.

It is described as the unproductive clenching or grinding of teeth during the day or night. Approximately 15 percent of children and up to 96 percent of adults experience bruxism. The cause of bruxism is uncertain. It has been associated with stress, occlusal disorders, allergies, and sleep positions. Moreover, the occurrence of bruxism is better predicted by the combination of type A personality traits and stress.

Diagnosing bruxism can be challenging due to its vague pathology. In addition to sleep partner complaints, clenching and grinding teeth, sleep bruxism, facial muscle pain, jaw and facial bone pain, temporomandibular joint disorders, facial pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue diseases are connected. The primary indications of bruxism include tooth erosion, loose teeth, enlarged chewing muscles, and sensitive joints. Various other symptoms of bruxism are abundant and wide-ranging. Temporomandibular joint pain, head and neck pain, erosion, abrasion, loss of supporting structures, headaches, oral infection, tooth sensitivity, muscle pain, aesthetic problems, and oral discomfort are all potential issues.


Bruxism therapy.

It could be straightforward or intricate, based on the type of the condition. Treating severe bruxism disorders can be challenging and their outcomes may also be uncertain. Children who have bruxism are typically treated by closely monitoring them and providing reassurance. The majority of children will naturally outgrow their habit of bruxism as they age. Stress reduction therapy, sleep positioning modification, medication, biofeedback training, physical therapy, and dental evaluation can all be used to help adults manage their stress. Orthodontic, restorative, or selective grinding procedures will not resolve the bruxism habit despite correcting the malocclusion.

How about taking preventive measures?

Researchers have discovered a limited connection between various forms of morphologic malocclusion.Having malocclusions in children does not raise the likelihood of bruxism, so orthodontic treatment (braces) to prevent bruxism at an early age is not backed by science. Bruxism is a harmful behavior that could lead to significant damage to teeth. Bruxism in children can be a long-lasting characteristic. Increased wear on the front teeth 20 years later may occur as a result of childhood bruxism causing occlusal trauma and tooth wear. If your child experiences severe tooth wear, dental mobility or tooth fracture may occur. Hence, it is necessary to bring your child to the dentist for an assessment of bruxism.