Gallatin Valley Pediatric Dentistry
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding or clenching. According to research, about 2 to 3 out of every ten kids develop this habit at some point or another. It is not uncommon for kids with bruxism to develop dental problems. These dental dilemmas can range from chipped or loosened teeth to jaw pain and even broken teeth.
At Gallatin Valley Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Justin and Dr. Joni, and our dentists can help your child overcome this habit and treat any problems it may have caused already.
Here are some basic things parents must do if their child has bruxism.
To prevent teeth grinding, try to keep your child from chewing gum and biting down on any non-food item such as toys and pencils. This is because it makes their jaw muscles more used to clenching. Consequently, they are more likely to grind their teeth as well.
Moreover, cut back on your child’s daily consumption of sugary foods, including artificial fruit juices and chocolate. Avoid giving them soft drinks and other drinks or food items that contain caffeine. Stress is often the primary contributor to bruxism, especially in older children. An unhealthy diet only makes it worse.