What to do about teeth-grinding
It can be unsettling to hear baby grinding her new teeth, but how worried should you be?
Teeth-grinding is surprisingly common, and up to up to one third of children are thought to do it at some stage, especially when their front teeth begin to come through between eight and 12 months, or when permanent ones emerge.
Reasons can range from relieving painful gums, to simply exploring what their new teeth feel – and sound – like!
Most little ones outgrow grinding, and in the meantime you can offer a cold teething ring. It’s when grinding continues while they sleep once permanent teeth come in that you need to talk to your dentist. It may indicate an underlying problem, and if you ignore it, lead to dental and other problems.
The impact of grinding
Constant grinding can wear through tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities, and wear down teeth, often breaking them. It can also cause jaw, head, neck and shoulder pain, says Umhlanga dental hygienist Kesh Naicker.
The solution lies in diagnosing and addressing the causes. In the past, grinding (also known as bruxism) was linked only to stress and anxiety, and some studies have shown raised levels of adrenaline hormones in those who grind.
But there can be many causes – from misalignment of the teeth or jaw, or irregular contact between upper and lower teeth, to dehydration, nutritional deficiencies (such as calcium or magnesium), allergies, parasites (like pinworm), ear ache, asthma and respiratory airway infections, enlarged tonsils, and poor oral hygiene and gum inflammation. “You need to clean baby’s teeth from the outset, first using wipes; then a small, soft brush,” says Naicker. “Start flossing as soon as possible.”
Bruxism may be genetic, as children of parents who ground their teeth are more likely to grind too. And children with developmental or brain disorders, such as Down syndrome, epilepsy or cerebral palsy are more prone to it, as are children with hyperactivity or depression (stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall, and anti-depressants have been linked to grinding).
If you are unsure of the cause of your child’s grinding, start by visiting your dentist or doctor to rule out physical problems – they can refer you to a child psychologist or a sleep or other specialist if necessary, says Michelle Baker, a Durban clinical psychologist with a special interest in sleep disorders.
“When teeth-grinding is frequent, it may be linked anxiety. They can assess and treat for anxiety using play therapy, which may, importantly, help prevent permanent damage to teeth.” Simple relaxation techniques to relieve stress may be advised, especially before bed – a reassuring routine such as a warm bath, massage and story.
“A custom-made guard adjusted for erupting teeth will aid in breaking the grinding cycle, generally within three to four months, but a new guard needs to be made quite frequently,“ says Naicker.
In adulthood, too, a guard is usually the answer, but grinders may also be offered muscle relaxants or other medication. A small body of research has suggested a link between grinding and sleep apnoea, which can be dangerous if left untreated, increasing risk of high blood pressure, stroke and other ills, “But the bigger deal with apnoea is snoring and breath-holding,” says Baker.
Treatment then may be with a CPAP machine or dental appliance to keep the jaw positioned so airways aren’t blocked – so if you are still a grinder, speak to your dentist or a sleep specialist.
IMAGE CREDIT: Getty Images