As a parent, it’s your responsibility to take care of your child’s health. This is done by getting regular check-ups, maintaining their oral hygiene routine, ad offering them a healthy diet, to name a few.  Even if you’re doing all of these things, though, your child may have habits that aren’t beneficial to their health.  One of those habits could be bruxism, otherwise known as teeth grinding.  This is a bad habit as it can cause oral complications; this article explores why it is damaging and the different reasons why your child might be grinding their teeth.  (Related topics: family dentist in Bloomfield NJ)

Oral Complications

Continuous teeth grinding can cause fracturing, loosening, or loss of teeth; or it may wear down the teeth.  When this happens, bridges, crowns, root canals, or even dental implants may be needed.  Although this may seem extreme, it’s important that your child stops this habit as soon as possible, as it can causes these complications when they’re older.

Common Causes

• Stress – One of the main reasons that people grind their teeth is due to stress or anxiety. If this is the case for your child, you should try to find healthy ways to relieve their stress.  Sometimes it’s as simple as getting your child to exercise more; other times, they may benefit from counseling if their stress levels are very high.
• Grinding During Sleep – Your child may also be grinding their teeth while they’re sleeping. This could be because they have an abnormal bite or crooked teeth.  If your child is old enough, your family dentist in Clifton NJ may suggest braces.  If they’re not ready for braces, there are also mouth guards that the pediatric dentist in West Orange, NJ can make to fit your child’s teeth perfectly.  This will stop them from grinding their teeth at night.

If your child keeps grinding their teeth, you should visit your pediatric dentist in West Orange, NJ.  Your family dentist in Clifton NJ will be able to offer treatment options and advice.