Why is the child grinding his teeth in his sleep and what to do

Regular every third teeth creaksWHAT EXACTLY IS BRUXISM? inhabitant of the planet. This applies to both adults and children. But if the former, as a rule, do not give their particular values, strange sounds, which publishes a small child, the parents are able to bring almost to a nervous breakdown. And suddenly it's worms? Or it will damage the teeth? Or is it dangerous?

Layfhaker learned everything about why children grind their teeth. And I must tell you: calm, just calm.

What is bruxism and how it is taken

Uncontrolled creak bruxism teeth doctors call (from the Greek word translates to "rattle tooth"). In children, bruxism episodes usually occur during sleep - deep its phase - or in moments of strong emotions.

Experts do not yet knowBRUXISM the exact reasons that cause children gnashing jaws. However, some were able to establish the relationship. So, involuntary contractions of masticatory muscles are often associated with the following factors.

The child cut milk or permanent teeth

Teething - quite a painful process. Gums at the same itch, and the baby unconsciously squeezes the jaw to numb the discomfort.

The matter is uneven bite

It so happens that the upper and lower teeth are badly adjusted to each other, because of which the jaw fails to close. It gives the child discomfort, and he moves the jaws back and forth, trying to find a position in which the teeth do not interfere with each other.

Jaws is not enough load

This situation is common in children older than one year and a half, which for some reason did not get enough solid food. For example, because my mother is sure: the fumes have enough breast milk. During the day, the jaw muscles are not getting the required load, and the body tries to compensate for this night, forcing the jaw muscles to contract. Gritting his teeth - a side effect of this process.

The child is under stress

Nervous stress can cause hypertonus of masticatory muscles. During the day the baby controls the movement of facial muscles. But the control is reduced at night, and jaw literally drives cramp.

Each child your stress threshold. Some children even quite trivial quarrel with their parents or brothers-sisters to start desperately grind their teeth at night.

Gnashing jaws child can even in those moments when he dreams of an emotionally intense dream.

As bruxism often occurs in hyperactive children.

The child was unwell

Seasonal allergic and upper respiratory tract infections - SARS, influenza, angina - leads to nasal congestion. The kid has to breathe through the mouth, that is slightly open and close the jaws. Sometimes, closing, he squeezes them too much, until gritting his teeth.

Also bruxism can be an attempt to muffle pain in the ear canal if the child otitis.

No, it's not worms!

Rendered it as a separate item - for the reason that grind their teeth, many associated with the presence of parasites in the body. This is a myth: there is no single scientific evidence that helminths provoke bruxism.

What if the child is grinding his teeth in his sleep

In most cases - no. Children 7-8 years to safely and completely without consequences outgrow stage gnashing of teeth.

But some children bruxism is accompanied by unpleasant side effects:

• increased tooth enamel wear - chipped, accelerated development caries, Exacerbation of tooth sensitivity to temperature;
• headache or pain in the ear;
• problems with the temporomandibular joint.

If that is the case, consult your pediatrician or dentist. The doctor will determine the most likely cause of bruxism. If it is associated with the structure of the teeth, or itching at the eruption, the dentist will correct this problem. For example, it recommends a special protective lining, which must be placed in the baby's mouth during sleep.

If the child is grinding his teeth due to stress, or increased nervous excitability, need a psychologist or neurologist. This is an important moment. Bruxism can last as long as the stress is not weakened. Without the help of a specialist, this process sometimes stretched for decades.