Causes

While the exact causes of bruxism aren’t clear, the reasons vary from kid to kid. A child may grind their teeth because of unaligned top and bottom teeth. It might be in response to tooth ache or teething, in order to alleviate the pain. Hyperactive children also develop bruxism at times, and sometimes it is developed because of a medical condition such as cerebral palsy or as a result of certain medications.

Does It Cause Harm?

Often, children don’t realize they’re grinding their teeth and parents should keep an eye out for the condition. Usually children grind their teeth during deep sleep and some cases may even be left undetected with no visible harm.

However, bruxism can have adverse effects in children if it’s not prevented, issues such as chipped teeth, wearing down of tooth enamel, facial pain and jaw problems and increase in temperature sensitivity.

What Must You Do?

Parental supervision along with dental visits can help keep bruxism under check and prevent it from developing into a damaging condition for the child. Most children grow out of it in adolescence, but if the cause is stress, it may continue and the child may develop a habit of grinding teeth under every stressful situation. Bruxism during deep sleep can be avoided with the use of a night guard. In case of stress being the issue, parents are advised to talk to the child and help them cope with troublesome situations.

Are you worried about your child’s teeth grinding? Visit us at our kids’ friendly Young Kidz dental clinic today! For more information, call us at (503) 658-3384.

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According to the American Academy of Periodontology, gingivitis is not limited to adults—it occurs in children and adolescents, too. Gingivitis in children can be easily treated and reversed with a consistent oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing. But early detection of gingivitis is essential so it can be treated before it becomes severe. Check your child’s teeth daily and pay attention to their gums as well.

Some other oral health points to keep in mind for babies and young children:

Babies

If you see spots or stains on your baby’s teeth, visit a dentist. Healthy baby teeth should be all one color, without spots or stains. Although baby teeth will fall out to make room for permanent teeth, it’s important to keep them clean. Tooth decay can occur in baby teeth, and it can be painful for the child and may lead to problematic infections. Most baby teeth are in place by about 2 years of age, and you can brush them with a soft toothbrush designed for you child’s particular stage development.

Young Children

Although young children may think they can brush their teeth themselves, most children don’t have the manual dexterity for thorough teeth cleaning until they are about 7 years old. Until then, help your child brush and floss. Let them “do it themselves” first, and then follow-up by helping them brush and floss again. Most young children thrive on regular schedules, so try making morning and evening tooth brushing and flossing a family event and do your own brushing and flossing at the same time.

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Permanent teeth begin appearing around age six. This process will continue until approximately age 21. To help ensure oral health and a lifetime of good oral care habits follow these key preventive measures:

• Limit sugar intake to help prevent tooth decay.
• Make sure children get enough fluoride, either through drinking water or as a treatment at the dentist’s office to strengthen tooth enamel and resist decay. This may include fluoride supplements in areas where drinking water is not optimally fluoridated. Be sure to ask your dentist about supplements to determine if they are needed.
• Consider dental sealants. Dental sealants to provide a further layer of protection against cavities. They’re made of plastic and are bonded to the teeth by the dental team.
• Teach kids to brush and floss regularly and properly. Try creating ways to make brushing and flossing fun for your child in order to encourage a good oral health routine.

Major Obstacles To Children’s Oral Health

Here is an outline of some common challenges to when it comes to children’s oral care.

Babies

• Baby bottle tooth decay:  To avoid this common problem, wipe gums with gauze or clean washcloth and water after feeding. When teeth appear, brush daily with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Also remember to put the child to bed with a bottle of water instead of milk or juice.
• Thumb sucking:  The catchall term for the various oral sucking habits of children is “non-nutritive sucking.” This includes thumb or finger sucking and the use of pacifiers. Most contemporary pediatric health providers agree that these habits have important formative and nurturing functions and, at least for the first few years of life (up until about age four), should be ignored. There is, however, universal agreement that sucking should cease before permanent teeth begin to appear. Consult your  dentist on your child’s sucking habits.
• White spots on teeth:  As soon as the first tooth appears, usually at about six months, begin cleaning your child’s teeth daily and schedule a dental appointment.

Toddlers

• Fear of the dentist: Allow the child to sit in a parent’s lap during the exam to make them feel more comfortable.
• Difficulty creating an oral care routine: Try involving the whole family, and be a role model. For example, brush together at the same time each day to start creating a good habit.
• Stains from antibiotics: Speak to the pediatrician before any medication is prescribed.

Grade-schoolers

• Love of sweets:  Try to give your children healthy snack options like vegetables, yogurt or cheese.
• Stains from antibiotics:  Speak to the pediatrician before any medication is prescribed.
• Oral injuries from sports:  Encourage children to wear mouth guards during sports to protect their teeth from any potential accidents.

Teenagers

• Braces:  Make sure that teens brush well around braces and use a floss threader to remove all food particles.
• Oral injuries from sports:  Encourage children to wear mouth guards during sports to protect their teeth from any potential accidents.

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At Young Kidz Dental, we believe that oral health for children is of the utmost importance. Because of this, we strive to teach our patients about good oral care practices from the time they are very young.

In addition to offering basic dental services, our team specializes in early orthodontics in Oregon. If you think your child might need early orthodontic intervention, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us. The earlier orthodontic needs are met, the easier your son or daughter’s early life will be.

Our effective thumbsucking and pacifier treatment options are especially popular among parents. If we determine that your child does, in fact, require orthodontic care, we will work closely with you to create a treatment plan that fits with your lifestyle.

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It is important to teach children that dental care is enjoyable, not scary, from the time they are very young. Good oral health is the key to good overall health. If you’ve been trying to find a great kids’ dentist in Oregon, schedule an appointment with Young Kidz Dental. Our welcoming, colorful office helps both children and their parents feel instantly at ease. Furthermore, our warm staff members and kind pediatric dentist in Clackamas will melt away any fears your son or daughter may have. We hope that once you visit us, you will be so satisfied with your experience that you won’t have to look for a dentist for children in Oregon ever again.

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