Teeth grinding or bruxism in toddlers and young children is common and, yes, it can cause problems if it goes on for a long time when they’re much bigger (as in, adult size).
It’s worth a trip to the dentist to find out if it’s a childhood habit they’ll grow out of, or whether they’ve gritted their teeth down to the dentine, which can lead to decay and other problems.
Here, dental hygienist Robyn Russell from Today’s Dentistry in Brisbane answers some common questions about it.
Teeth Grinding: If the child is an excessive grinder, by the time they’re four or five, their teeth can be really worn down.
We don’t know – that’s the short answer.
Sometimes it can be related to their teeth coming through. It may also be related to breathing difficulties during sleep. This is often associated with the shape of the palate, and the size of the tonsils and adenoids.
The enamel wear from grinding is certainly more noticeable in children. And because the enamel on children’s teeth is thinner, the wear is a lot more pronounced, especially with baby teeth.
If the child is an excessive grinder, by the time they’re four or five, their teeth can be really worn down.
Yes, although it’s variable.
When all their adult teeth come through, they may not necessarily continue teeth grinding into adult life, so their ‘big teeth’ can be quite normal.
At most times, nothing. It’s just a question of taking the child to see the dentist for a good diagnosis and reassuring Mum, so they don’t start stressing and grinding their own teeth!
Then we monitor things once their adult teeth come through. Childhood teeth grinding is usually something that’s self-limiting and doesn’t require too much intervention.
During the check-up, we would just need to evaluate this to see that it’s not a factor.
Adults can wear custom-made mouthguards (occlusal splints) at night to protect their teeth from damaging grinding.
However, we prefer not to use nightguards with kids, as it would require constant adjustment while their adult teeth first come through. From the age of about six until 14 or 15, their teeth are moving around, so it’s best not to wear anything that’s rigid in their mouth.
Oral appliances also require close supervision and adjustment – trying to get a little kid to wear something like that for many hours a day can be difficult. They can also be costly.
You and your dentist can keep an eye on your child’s teeth grinding together, in case it becomes a bigger problem. Please call us at Today’s Dentistry on 07 3263 2677 or book an appointment online
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“Working with patients of all ages continues to ignite my passion within dentistry and I strive to provide a gentle, supportive and positive environment for every patient I work with. ”
B. App Sci (Oral Health)
“I enjoy seeing the delight that our patients show when they realise how easy dental care can be! Our team at Today’s Dentistry work together to make every patient feel completely comfortable.”
Dr Sharon's commitment to excellence has shown itself right from the start of her dental career, when she graduated from the University of Queensland with Class I Honours. Her commitment to her craft is reflected in the numerous professional development courses she participates in, with a desire to get the best possible outcomes for her patients.
Dr. Sharon is passionate about empowering patients through education about their dental conditions, supporting them through overcoming dental anxiety, and helping them achieve their dental goals.
Away from the clinic, Dr. Sharon is an avid baker, a keen photographer, and a fitness enthusiast aiming to conquer the Bridge to Brisbane run in 2023.
I always loved going to my own dental visits, and one day I honestly just though ‘why don’t I give dental assisting a go’. I applied for a job and got a call back straight away, and have been in the industry ever since!
I studied my Cert 3 in Dental Assisting online alongside working full time in my first dental job. I chose to do it online so I had more time to work as I am more of a hands on learner.
I LOVE smile makeovers. I love seeing the joy, and happiness it brings patients and the amount of confidence they gain by having their dream smile.
I love feeling like I am making some sort of impact on people’s lives. Whether it is helping them with their smile makeover, holding their hand during a procedure or just being an ear to talk to and a shoulder to cry on.
The team, they are all so wonderful and both Darryl and David are so great to work for. But also what our core value is – which is patient care. I think we are a really great team at making sure our patients come first and their experience with us is a positive one each and every time.
Brisbane born and bred, Sarah’s passion for dentistry began during her orthodontic treatment in her teens. After graduating from highschool, Sarah began working as a dental nurse and decided her true calling was as a dental hygienist. She graduated from the University of Queensland in 2006 and has worked in both the private and public sector since then.
Sarah’s focus is on prevention and education. Her goal is to empower her patients so that they can achieve and maintain the best possible oral health for life.
In her free time Sarah can be found spending time with her two sons, hiking, attending a pilates class or exploring Brisbane and the surrounds looking for new restaurants to eat at or adventures to have.
I have been a proud part of the Today's Dentistry team for 20 years now.
My journey to get here though was anything but straight forward and I can probably thank my own childhood family dental visits in Newcastle NSW for my interest in this area of care. It too was a very special practice that took the time with their patients young and old and truly cared about them.
Having my own great experiences as a patient I was thrilled for them to accept me for my Year 10 work experience as a dental assistant and fell comfortably into the role. Due to life as it was back then and lack of public transport my career took me in a whole different direction and I had many years at the Aluminium Smelter in Kurri Kurri.
Once my children were at school I applied for a position as a receptionist at the local Dental Practice only to be told it was actually for an assistant and was I still interested? Silly question! Hands on training the old school way which put me in great position for further learning when our family moved to WA for a couple of years and then finally finding my way to QLD and Darrly and David.
Dentistry to me is a package of many very important parts, the precision and artistry of the actual treatment, the person behind the treatment and understanding of not only their dental needs but emotional drivers and the communication and care to put this all together. Although I now find myself not chairside but doing the behind the scenes administration I still get to talk with our patients and be confident that they are in good hands with my wonderful team.
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“I have worked in Dentistry in one form or another since I was 16 years old. I love this profession and making a difference in others lives.”
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“Although I love the scientific side of dentistry, I also get a great deal of satisfaction from helping our patients and surprising them with what modern dentistry is capable of.”