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About 14% to 17% of kids grind their teeth. Teeth grinding can begin as soon as a child’s first set of upper and lower teeth erupt from their gums.
To begin, you’ll need to bring your child to Cavity Patrol Pediatric Dentistry in Cypress or Katy for a consultation with Dr. Julia or Dr. Chun. They will examine your little one’s teeth, determine if they’re grinding their teeth, and decide whether an occlusal guard is necessary.
If your child needs an occlusal guard, Katy and Cypress pediatric dentists Dr. Chun or Dr. Julia will take molds of their teeth. These are used to create a mouth guard that fits perfectly over their teeth, and provides excellent protection.
You and your child will be sent home. We will work with our lab partners to create a durable, comfortable, and long-lasting occlusal guard for your little one.
In a few weeks, you’ll come back to our Cypress office to pick up your child’s occlusal guard. Dr. Julia and Dr. Chun will give you some instructions on how to care for it, and how your child should wear it. Then, you’re all done!
In kids, occlusal guards are primarily used to treat teeth grinding (bruxism). This is a condition where your child clenches, bites, and gnashes their teeth together, even when they’re not eating food.
This condition happens in patients of all ages, and it can lead to some serious oral health problems. Usually, the teeth only bite and clench when you’re eating food. Prolonged tooth-to-tooth contact can cause premature wear and damage. For example, teeth grinding can lead to worn-down teeth, a higher likelihood of a tooth cracking, or even damage to dental work like a filling.
Occlusal guards are made of durable plastic, and prevent direct tooth-to-tooth contact. While this does not completely eliminate grinding, it completely eliminates the risk of tooth damage from bruxism.
Nobody really knows exactly what causes teeth grinding in patients of any age, and this is particularly true for kids. However, there are a few factors that are known to raise the risk of teeth grinding in kids. These include:
- Stress
- Misaligned teeth
- Pain from earaches or teething
- Certain types of medications
- Medical conditions like ADHD
Additionally, most kids will outgrow grinding eventually. But until they do, it’s a good idea to monitor their oral health with the help of a pediatric dentist, and take steps to protect their teeth, such as getting an occlusal guard.
If you’re worried that your child is grinding their teeth, there are a few different things you can look out for. Your child may complain of headaches, face, ear, or jaw pain, particularly in the mornings. Their teeth may also hurt when they chew.
You also may be able to hear them grinding their teeth when they sleep. Listen for grinding, popping, squeaking, or clicking noises while they sleep. If you notice one or more of these signs, you should contact Cavity Patrol Pediatric Dentistry to schedule an appointment right in Cypress or Katy away.
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