If your child sneezes or coughs, you probably know exactly what the symptoms mean and how to treat them. But some symptoms or problems can be difficult to figure out or treat, including teeth grinding. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can frustrate and confuse parents for many reasons. The condition can occur during the night or day and can have many possible causes, including stress and sinus pressure. Here's how bruxism affects your loved one and how you can obtain the treatment they need now.

How Does Bruxism Affect Children?

Although teeth grinding can occur in anyone, the condition is more common in children. While it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of bruxism, some factors may be possible factors for it, including stress and hyperactivity. Other possible reasons for your child's teeth grinding include night terrors and anxiety.

Bruxism can be destructive to your child's teeth, jaws, and mental health. The condition wears down the surfaces of your child's teeth as well as causes pain in the jaw and ears. Some children may experience sleep problems, which interferes with their mental and physical growth. These children may have issues concentrating in class or participating in daytime activities.

If your child experiences any negative changes in their life because of bruxism, seek treatment now.

What Do You Do About Your Child's Bruxism?

You may think that you need to take your child to a dentist for teeth grinding treatment. However, a pediatric specialist or doctor can also diagnose and treat children who grind their teeth. A pediatrician can check your child for any condition or problem that may place them at risk for bruxism, including attention deficit disorder. The disorder can affect your child's ability to learn, concentrate, and develop.

If your child has pain in the ear, cheeks, or sinuses, a pediatrician may prescribe medications to alleviate the symptom. Bruxism can possibly create pressure in the face, which affects the tubes and nasal passes of the ears and sinuses.

If your child has dental problems, such as jaw pain or misplaced teeth, a pediatrician may refer them to a dentist for additional care. A dentist have your child wear a mouth guard during the night. The guard acts a buffer between your child's upper and lower teeth. Teeth grinding can create significant pressure on your loved one's teeth, which forces their teeth to move out of place in the jaw.

You can find solutions for your loved one's bruxism by contacting a pediatric specialist for services today. 

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