Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a fairly common problem among children. Although many kids grow out of this habit, it can cause damage that requires professional dental care before they do. If you think your child is grinding their teeth, the friendly team at Pediatric Dental Group in Honolulu, HI, will assess any damage and provide the treatments necessary to restore their oral health.

Many children who suffer from bruxism do not even know they are grinding their teeth because they do so when they are asleep. As a parent, you may actually be the one who identifies there is an issue. Sometimes, you may be able to hear the sound of the teeth grinding against each other while your child sleeps. Other symptoms of bruxism include pain and tightness in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders; earaches; headaches; teeth that are sensitive to hot or cold temperatures; pain when chewing; and cracked, chipped, or worn-down teeth.

If your child exhibits any of the above symptoms, and bruxism is to blame, there are a variety of dental care treatment options. Treating any chipped or worn-down teeth is critical, but so is identifying the underlying cause of the grinding to prevent further damage. Possible causes of bruxism include stress, crooked or missing teeth, sleep disorders, and a misaligned jaw.

The treatment will ultimately depend on the cause of the problem. If your child grinds their teeth persistently because of a sleep disorder, a custom mouth guard may be the answer. If the cause of the grinding is misaligned teeth, orthodontic appliances can align the jaw properly. When the bruxism is related to anxiety or stress, behavioral therapy may be able to help.

If you think your child suffers from bruxism, you can rely on the professional team at Pediatric Dental Group in Honolulu and Lihue, HI. Visit their website to explore the pediatric dentistry services they provide, and call (808) 593-8828 to schedule dental care for your child today.