pediatric dentistry - Western Piedmont Dental

How to Stop the Habit of Teeth Grinding in Children

Posted on April 17, 2023 by westerndental

Teeth grinding or bruxism, is the act of involuntarily or habitually grinding teeth, resulting in a harsh sound of enamel rubbing against itself. It is a common problem in children, often occurring during deep sleep or periods of stress. Many children this problem, but parents should remain aware of the issue since it can affect their child’s oral health.

What are the causes of teeth grinding in children?

The root cause of teeth grinding in children is not yet fully understood. It is believed that misaligned teeth or pain from earaches, teething, or toothaches can be contributing factors.

For some children, stress, tension, or anxiety may be the underlying cause of teeth grinding. In situations such as upcoming tests or projects, new teachers or schools, or conflicts with family or friends, teeth grinding may occur. Addressing emotional stress can help to alleviate this habit.

Other than this, certain medications or medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy, can also lead to teeth grinding in children. Consult with your doctor and pediatric dentist in Rutherford if you suspect any of these potential causes.

What are common indicators of teeth grinding in children?

Chipping: If your child’s teeth have small pieces that are chipped away, this may be due to teeth grinding which causes tension that can break off parts of the tooth.
Fracture lines: Tiny hairline cracks, also known as fractures or “craze” lines, can be caused by teeth grinding.
Worn enamel: Tooth enamel can be worn down by the pressure of grinding, just like it can be eroded by sugary or acidic foods.
Sensitivity: If your child feels pain in their teeth when consuming hot or cold foods, teeth grinding might be the cause.
Head and earaches: If have ruled out all possibilities of head and earaches, teeth grinding can be the reason.
Jaw pain: One of the reasons for jaw pain and discomfort is teeth grinding. So, if your child is having jaw pain, the reason can be teeth grinding.

What are the ways to stop teeth grinding in children?

Encourage relaxation: As stress causes teeth grinding, make sure your child is relxed before bedtime. You should implement some relaxation techniques.
Use a mouth guard: Wearing a mouth guard can protect your child’s teeth from damage caused by teeth grinding at night.
Ensure comfortable sleep conditions: Creating a comfortable sleep environment is crucial, including a cozy mattress and pillows, a cool room temperature, and minimal noise.
Promote good dental hygiene: Practicing good dental hygiene can help prevent dental problems associated with teeth grinding. Encourage your child to brush and floss regularly and visit the dentist for routine checkups.
Consult a pediatric dentist: It’s essential to have your child’s teeth evaluated by a pediatric dentist to determine the severity of bruxism and recommend treatment options.

Teeth grinding in children seem normal to many parents and they often ignore it. But, the fact is, if teeth grinding is not addressed timely and properly, it can lead to long-term dental issues in your child. So, if you identify the problem, visit a Rutherford pediatric dentist immediately.

All you Need to Know About Early Dental Care for Children

Posted on April 13, 2023 by westerndental

Early dental treatment is crucial for children to develop appropriate oral hygiene practices and avoid dental issues. Children should begin seeing a pediatric dentist by their first birthday or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. The importance of early pediatric dentistry for kids is illustrated by the following:

Avoid Dental Issues

An essential component of children’s early dental care is preventive care. Dentists can monitor children’s oral health through routine checkups and spot any developing issues. This may involve problems including gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay. Dental issues that are discovered early can be treated before they worsen and require more invasive procedures.

Create Good Habits for Oral Hygiene

Early dental care can aid in the formation of children’s healthy oral hygiene practices. Frequent dental checkups give dentists the chance to instruct parents and kids on how to properly take care of teeth and gums. This covers correct brushing and flossing methods as well as advice on maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding foods and beverages that are high in sugar and acidity. Children who develop appropriate oral hygiene practices early on are more likely to live long, healthy lives with teeth and gums.

Have a Good Connection with Your Dentist

Early dental care can make kids feel more relaxed and at ease when seeing the dentist. Frequent dental checkups give kids the chance to get comfortable at the dental office and form a good rapport with their dentist. By doing this, both the child and the parent will experience future dental visits with less worry and anxiety.

Diagnose and Address Developmental Problems

Early dental treatment can also help identify and address dental and jaw development problems in youngsters. This entails spotting concerns like poor bite habits, crooked teeth, and crowded teeth. Early detection of these disorders can help avoid the emergence of more serious issues and may lessen the need for future, more involved orthodontic treatment.

Determine Health Problems

Frequent dental appointments with pediatric dentistry can also aid in spotting medical conditions that might have an impact on a child’s oral health. This covers conditions including asthma, allergies, and sleep apnea. Based on oral symptoms, dentists may be able to recognize these problems and suggest the proper course of action or a referral to a specialist.

Together with these advantages, early dental care can assist parents in establishing a child’s oral health. Having a consistent dentist who is aware of the child’s oral health history and who can offer continuous care and treatment as necessary. Children can benefit from consistent, excellent dental treatment throughout childhood and into adulthood if they have a dental home.

Generally, children need to receive dental care from a young age to develop appropriate oral hygiene practices, avoid dental issues, and establish a solid rapport with their dentist. Parents can help set their children up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums by establishing regular pediatric dentist checkups early on.

6 Signs Your Child Needs a Visit to the Dentist

Posted on November 2, 2022November 2, 2022 by westerndental

The idea of taking your children to the dentist can be stressful for many parents, but it’s important to remember that pediatric dentistry specialists are well-versed in taking care of both adult and child patients with no discomfort on the part of the child.

However, if your child has never been to the dentist before or has had only one or two visits, it’s good to be aware of signs that they may need more regular dental care. Read on to discover seven signs that your child might need more dental care.

If your child has cavities

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems that children have. The bacteria in their mouths eats away at the tooth’s enamel and causes it to dissolve.

At this point, you can remove the infected section of tooth or fill it with a filling material like silver amalgam or composite resin. If your child has cavities, they should be seen by a pediatric dentist as soon as possible.

Pain in tooth

If your child is experiencing pain in their teeth, it could be due to one of many causes. The most common reason for tooth pain is decay or an infection.

Other possible reasons for tooth pain include: abscesses, cavities, ulcers, trauma from chewing hard objects and impacted teeth. If your child has these symptoms and any fever or swollen lymph nodes, they should visit a dentist as soon as possible.

Your child has sensitive teeth

If your child is experiencing sensitivity to hot or cold, they may have teeth that are enamel-deficient. It’s important for you and your child to visit their kid’s dentist in Rutherford as soon as possible so that they can find out what type of treatment options are available.

The teeth become loose

Loose teeth are usually caused by an excessive amount of tooth grinding at night. If your child is exhibiting signs of tooth grinding, it’s time for you to take them in for an evaluation. Loose teeth can lead to a number of other dental problems, such as gum disease and cavities.

Children who grind or clench

If you notice that your child clenches their jaw or grinds their teeth, especially during sleep, it may be time for them to visit a pediatric dentist. Teeth grinding and clenching can lead to tooth wear and pain in the jaw joints. A pediatric dentist can help your child learn how to avoid these habits with specific exercises and techniques.

White/brown spots on your child’s teeth

If you notice white or brown spots on your child’s teeth, it may be time for them to visit their dentist. These spots are often called baby bottle tooth decay and can lead to tooth loss if not treated soon. If left untreated, these spots will turn into cavities that need filling.

Conclusion

If you notice your child showing even just one of these signs, it’s time to get them checked out by the best kids dentist in Rutherford. If more than one of these signs is present, the problem may be more serious and immediate action may be needed.