Grand Prairie Dentist Discusses Children and Bruxism

Did you know that 38 percent of children grind their teeth? If you’ve even seen your child grinding his or her teeth, you may have found the sawing noise and the sight of the clenched jaw moving back and forth to be disconcerting. After all, how could it not be bad for your child’s teeth? Surely, dental assistance is necessary, right? Before you schedule a dental visit, you might like to know that dental treatment typically isn’t necessary for treating teeth grinding, or bruxism, in children. Here to discuss the matter further is your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith.

Bruxism in Children

Although nearly 40 percent of children grind their teeth, treatment for bruxism in children is rare. Kids typically outgrow the habit of grinding their teeth, a habit that begins around age three, by age six without significant damage to their teeth. So as disturbing as you may find your child’s bruxism, you may not need to call your Grand Prairie children’s dentist, Dr. Quinn, just yet.

Treatment for Bruxism

There are some cases, however, when dental treatment is necessary. If your child complains about pain in his or her jaw and teeth that does not subside, seek dental assistance. Bruxism can wear down teeth and cause problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull, although such problems are rare in children. Should your child complain of these symptoms, or if you notice bruxism to be a habit that continues well past the age of six, dental treatment could become necessary. Dr. Smith may prescribe a sleep guard that protects teeth from wear and repositions the jaw to relieve stress on the TMJ.

Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie Children’s Dentist

Regular dental visits are vital to your child’s oral health. If your child hasn’t had a cleaning in the past six months, schedule a visit with your Grand Prairie children’s dentist, Dr. Smith, today by calling 972-262-5111. Our 75052 dental office welcomes patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.
Dr. Smith

Recent Posts

Don’t Let Those Benefits Slip Away

As the end of the year approaches, it's time to take a closer look at…

5 months ago

Keeping Little Teeth Safe this Halloween

Halloween is a thrilling time for children, filled with costumes, candy, and spooky adventures. However,…

6 months ago

👶🦷 Celebrate Baby Safety Month in September with Bright Smile! 👶🦷

Did you know that dental care plays a crucial role in ensuring your baby's safety…

7 months ago

Celebrate Gum Care Month in September: A Healthy Smile Awaits!

September is not just about back-to-school and the changing of seasons; it's also Gum Care…

8 months ago

August is National Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Unveiling Hidden Clues: How Dentists Detect Vision Problems During Routine Exams When you think of…

9 months ago

📚🦷 Back to School Dental Health Tips for Brighter Smile! 🦷📚

Hey there, students and parents! As we gear up for another exciting academic year, it's…

9 months ago