It's constant and loud. I'm afraid she's damaging her teeth. She has healthy teeth. She brushes her teeth in the morning and night. I'm sure there's a solution for this, please help. What could happen if she continues to grind her teeth? And what 'causes this?
2006-10-20 10:07:16 · 18 answers · asked by oaparicio2003 3 in Health ➔ Dental
Usually a night guard would solve your problem, but at 4 yrs. old it is unlikely she will keep the appliance in her mouth. It is a foreign object in her mouth and she probably won't understand why she has to wear it.
If she continues to grind her teeth she may develop a few different problems such as, TMJ. She will also wear away the enamel on the tops or occlusion of her teeth. This can become painful due to the fact that dentin will be exposed (which is the 2nd layer of tooth structure).
I am a certified dental assistant and have been practicing for 6 yrs. I have come across only one case in six years of a child who was severly grinding her teeth. The cause was stress due to the fact that her father was a victim in 9/11.
The dentist that I worked for at the time placed bonding material over 2 of her molars so that she was unable to grind away her natural tooth structure. This is not a cure. This is only temporary until she is older and able to be properly fitted for a night guard.
Bring her to a pedodontist (child dentist) and discuss your options w/ him or her.
2006-10-20 13:24:10 · answer #1 · answered by Ron's wife 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it will damage her teeth and may lead to temperomandibular joint disease if she doesn't stop. Ask her dentist for a night guard, which is a little plastic dental guard that will keep her from grinding her teeth, which by the way is called "bruxism." Sometimes stress causes it. You may also notice whether she snores or gasps in her sleep as she could possibly have sleep apnea as well.
2006-10-20 10:12:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
DO NOT GET A BITE APPLIANCE MADE FOR A YOUNG CHILD!!!
I can not state emphatically enough that you should never, ever consider getting (or making) an appliance to stop tooth grinding in a four year old. This would stop proper growth and development of the jaw where the appliance is worn.
It is my opinion that baby teeth are designed to be worn away as the jaws grow and develop. This allows for different growth rates and it allows for the accommodation of the permanent teeth with their much more pronounced cusp forms when they start to come in.
You may wish to ask your dentist to check for underlying problems, but 99% of the time - if not more - this is just part of being a four year old.
2006-10-20 14:38:16 · answer #3 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My 5 yr old daughter grinds her teeth in her sleep pretty bad too. From what I was told it is normal at this age and they will grow out of it..It usually causes no problems with her teeth, its just annoying for the parent mostly..If it still bothers u then u can ask her dentist or doctor to prescribe her a guard for her teeth to wear when she is sleeping..I know it drives me crazy and i was worried at first too. dont worry..
2006-10-20 14:24:17 · answer #4 · answered by Me, Myself & I 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually caffine or too much sugar can cause this. You might want to try buying a tooth gaurd from either the dentist or go to your local sports store and buy what the football players use and make her wear them at night. Limit the amount of sugar she has during the day and also try to read to her at night to help her relax before bedtime, maybe it is brought on by stress. Just some ideas.
2006-10-20 10:10:58 · answer #5 · answered by Jackie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even though she is young and these are baby teeth, the problem needs to be dealt with before she is older and this could cause problems. Take her to a dentist, preferably a pediatric dentist that specializes in young kids and have her evaluated.
2006-10-20 10:11:15 · answer #6 · answered by Julep 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to your dentist about it. There are different ways to get her to stop. Even if she's made aware of it, she might notice it more often and stop by herself. I don't think there's any specific cause for this. It's just a bad habit that some people get into. Get advice from your dentist A.S.A.P...the longer you wait, the more damage could be caused.
2006-10-20 10:12:02 · answer #7 · answered by Rujuta P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my 4 year old daughter also grinds her teeth and i've been advised to take her to a dentist.
2006-10-20 10:10:45 · answer #8 · answered by Aleena 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, i agree with Gaby H. this may be caused by psychological problem (which child may be even unaware of).
Maybe, night guard can help, but If it is possible, try to consult psychologist.
And taking her to other place for a few days (vacation in a peaceful quiet place) could help.
2006-10-20 10:24:26 · answer #9 · answered by Lolabola 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the dentist can make her a mouth guard to wear when she sleeps. You definatley dont want to let this continue or you're looking at alot of future pain and problems.
2006-10-20 17:45:30 · answer #10 · answered by arae8419 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋