Author |
Message |
Carrie92
Member
09-15-2003
| Monday, March 01, 2004 - 11:05 pm
Wondering if anyone has a solution to teeth-grinding? My six yr old does it in his sleep. I just worry if it has any long-term effects. As it is, he wakes up sometimes and asks me to stop whatever it is I happen to be doing, telling me I am giving him a headache! (why is it always Mom's fault?)
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Staceyinpa
Member
01-03-2003
| Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 5:53 am
Carrie, teeth grinding CAN and WILL cause long-term problems.. your dentist can probably fit him with a mouth guard type of thing (i cant' remember what it's called) to wear at night.. not only does grinding damage the teeth, it's been shown to increase problems with the jaw bones.. (they can be damaged or worn)
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Julieboo
Member
02-05-2002
| Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 7:04 am
My 4 year old has been grinding his teeth ever since he got teeth! I was very concerned, but my dentist said there is nothing to do. At least not until he is old enough for a mouth guard. I wear one at night and it has helped me a lot. Ask your dentist at what age he can get one for nighttime.
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Djgirl
Member
07-17-2002
| Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 7:25 am
I too wear a guard at night, but as Julie said, until their permanent teeth come in, there isn't much you can do.
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Not1worry
Member
07-30-2002
| Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 11:01 am
I've got a "grinder" too. My 6 yr. old DD sounds like she's chewing rocks.
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 11:26 am
I'm a grinder, too. It's a habit, but thought it was due to stress. Perhaps discuss with your pediatrician, too--in an effort to reduce whatever stress he might be feeling. (I guess 6-year olds have stress, too! Maybe school?) I have small teeth to begin with, and the grinding didn't help them--except to make the roots super-strong, per my last dentist. I now wear a night guard at night--and sometimes when driving, if I think of it ahead of time. Those things are pretty expensive (mine was $500!!)--and your child's mouth is still growing and changing. It's a shame there isn't something that might help, in the meantime however. Good luck!
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Tater
Member
03-19-2003
| Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 12:36 pm
I grind my teeth too. So bad that I developed TMJ. Mine is because of nerves and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I get bad dreams, then grind, and clench all night. My doc told me to go get a mouth guard at the store, and then boil it and mold it to my mouth. Best 99 cents I ever spent!!! It really works!!!
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 3:45 pm
Now that's a great idea!! Cool, Tater!
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Tabbyking
Member
03-11-2002
| Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 4:03 pm
i am going to put my 2 cents worth in because i worked in pediatric dentistry and this is what i heard the dentist tell most parents about young children who grind their teeth: (paraphrased) their teeth are coming in and falling out. they are growing and filling in different sizes and spaces. when your child goes to sleep, they are becoming relaxed, not just their bodies; their mouths are also trying to find a comfortable position. they grind as they are looking for that spot, which changes a lot as their teeth come and go... anyway, basically there wasn't much to worry over if the child was grinding their teeth during those years they were losing and getting teeth. hope this helps a little! of course, ask your own dentist, but the explanation made sense to me!
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Carrie92
Member
09-15-2003
| Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 6:01 pm
Thanks for all your comments. It sounds like I will have to wait it out until he's older. No way I'll be able to get him to wear a mouth guard at this age!
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Tabbyking
Member
03-11-2002
| Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 6:05 pm
he may not even need it later...until he wants to play football!
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Beachcomber
Member
08-26-2003
| Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 1:31 pm
I am a grinder and my doctor attributes it to stress and my acid reflux! Dentist wants to sell me a $400 customized night guard and I trotted right over the drug store and bought the cheapy and it works great. However, I spent a long time there trying to figure out if my mouth was small, medium or large - I won't post what my DH said!!!
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