Childhood accomplishments are always held on a high pedestal. For instance, how old were you when you took your first steps or uttered the first word? Similarly, teething can be a big concept among parents. Not only is it a completely new challenge for them to navigate through, but the child also requires time to get used to their newly-erupted pearly whites. That is why it is common for toddlers to grind their teeth in sleep.
Usually, it’s not something most parents pay attention to. However, if the grinding and clenching don’t stop, it could turn into a dental condition known as bruxism. To find out what grinding means and how you can get your toddler to stop doing it in their sleep, keep on reading this blog.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a dental condition that can affect people of all ages. Although it usually starts from a young age, its effects can occur consciously or subconsciously and are often identified by grinding or clenching the jaw. When children do it while awake, it is known as waking bruxism. On the other hand, if your toddler is prone to grinding their teeth in sleep, it may be a form of sleep bruxism.
Recognizing signs of sleep bruxism is much harder than waking bruxism, as the child is not actively doing it. Sleep bruxism can go unnoticed in most toddlers unless they share the room with a guardian or a sibling.
Is It Bad For A Child To Grind Their Teeth While Sleeping?
It’s pretty common for children, especially toddlers, to clench and grind their teeth during sleep. Since the feeling of teeth is so new to them, their jaw unconsciously keeps moving, trying to familiarize itself with the new protrusion. However, despite the common occurrence, teeth grinding is not particularly normal.
It’s okay if it happens once or twice, but if your child keeps putting pressure on their jaw, gnashing their teeth together, it could ultimately weaken the teeth. Not to mention, it could cause serious dental concerns over time.
Tips To Keep Your Toddler From Griding Their Teeth In Sleep
Telling toddlers to stop doing what they’re doing can be quite challenging. Not only is it impossible at times, but you might end up with a cranky child on your hands. However, when it comes to dental troubles, taking action is crucial. For starters, if your toddler grinds their teeth in sleep, work on improving their sleep conditions. You can also try the following tips to help elevate their bedtime habits:
- Invest in a mouthguard
- Feed them a healthy snack before going to bed.
- Make sure they brush their teeth.
- Avoid giving them sugary snacks or any kind of junk food.
- Snuggle with your little ones as they doze off to sleep.
- Play soft, relaxing music in the background.
- Give them a warm, relaxing bath.
- Read them bedtime stories.
- Keep an eye on their hydration levels
- Visit a pediatric dentist if the problem persists.
Visit A Pediatric Dentist Today!
If your toddler wakes up cranky or has started developing pain in their jaw, it could be because they are grinding their teeth in sleep. Despite it seeming harmless, it is better to consult a seasoned pediatric dentist on the matter. To schedule an appointment with the best children’s dentist in Cypress, contact Texas Premier Dental at 281.206.0100. You can also drop by our clinic at 13203 Fry Rd Ste 500, Cypress, TX 77433, next to Texas Children’s Pediatrics.