Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a fairly common habit in children, occuring most often during sleep. Between the ages of three and six, 38 percent of kids grind their teeth. It may come as a shock, then, that bruxism treatment in children is very rare. According to your Milford family dentist, Dr. Mitchell I. Quintner, the reason for the lack of treatment in children is not an oversight. Instead, dentists recognize that children tend to grow out of the habit of grinding their teeth around age six, and because the force generated by bruxism at this age does not constitute a significant threat to teeth, treatment is largely unnecessary.
Bruxism Beyond Childhood
Once past childhood, bruxism can become a serious problem for oral health. As children grow into adulthood, they generate more bite force which places further strain on their teeth. If bruxism continues without treatment, teeth may begin to lose their enamel, weakening them and making them vulnerable to damage.
Teeth that are stripped of their enamel often become unable to withstand the continual strain that teeth grinding places on them. As a result, untreated bruxism commonly results in cracked or broken teeth, each of which must be repaired with a dental crown. However, this kind of structural damage is not the only threat posed to teeth that lose their enamel. Tooth decay may occur more rapidly once the layer beneath enamel, dentin, is exposed. Dentin is softer and also porous, making it much easier substance for bacteria to damage.
Bruxism Treatment
The cause behind bruxism is ultimately unclear, although many researchers draw a connection between stress and teeth grinding. As a result, many dentists, including your Milford family dentist, Dr. Quintner, recommend that patients try stress management techniques or exercises like yoga or Tai Chi. In addition, Dr. Quintner may also provide patients who grind their teeth with a dental nightguard. This oral appliance is worn during sleep, functioning to protect teeth from grinding against one another. Dental nightguards are custom made for each patient by taking a mold of their teeth. The custom fit allows the nightguard to hold snugly onto teeth so that it will not come lose during the night.
Sensitive Care Cosmetic & Family Dentistry is proud to serve the Milford area. Patients can contact our office at 203-878-6699 to schedule an appointment or a consultation.