What Causes Teeth Grinding on Children and How to Stop Them

Teeth grinding or bruxism is one of the most common sleep disorder, as three out of 10 children grind their teeth. Thankfully, most outgrow it. The cause of bruxism is unknown. In children, teeth grinding may be a response to changes in the mouth, such as pain or erupting teeth.

Stress is also a recognized cause of bruxism. A tired child or once who worries about school test or arguing parents can experience enough stress to prompt teeth grinding. Relaxation techniques such as drinking a glass of milk before sleeping and listening to soft music can help calm a child and reduce stress. Hyperactive kids, those with certain conditions such as cerebral palsy or who are on certain medications can develop bruxism.

Bruxism usually goes undetected with no adverse effects. But it can cause the wearing down and sensitivity of teeth or chipping of their enamel. In extreme cases, it can cause severe pain and jaw problems. Wearing a mouth guard can help reduce further damage on the teeth.

Practical Guide on your Baby's First Visit to the Dentist

A baby should see a dentist by age 1, says Dr. Bessie Buendia, a pediatrician. Some parents put off visiting the dentist since baby's milk teeth will fall off anyway. But starting good oral care early is best.

What you can do:

1. See a pediatric dentist, specifically. Ask your pediatrician for referrals. A pediatric dentist usually has a more child friendly clinic, with toys or even television on the ceiling to keep your child entertained during check ups.
2. Tell your child about the visit and what to expect (even if you think your baby doesn't understand you yet). Assure him that the dentist will take good care of him.
3. Be sure he has no cracked lips or mouth sore because oral inspection may cause pain.

Useful Tips for your Childs Teething Troubles

Most children will get their first tooth between the age of 5 and 7 months. Each time a tooth breaks through or erupts, the skin over the tooth will become red, swollen and shiny. Some children may find this painful. They may fuss and have trouble sleeping. To reduce the pain of teething, the following measures are useful:

• Gently but firmly massage or press on your baby's gum with a clean finger or soft cloth. But stop if this upsets your child more.

• Give baby something cold to suck or chew on. If he has started solids, a frozen banana or a block of ice may be soothing (don't leave a baby on his own with these). You may also try freezing moistened flannel or plastic teething rings.

• Rub teething gel on the gums if the child is very upset. Use as directed on the packet. Teething gels can be bought over the counter at local pharmacies. Paracetamol drops or syrups may also help.

Take your child to the doctor if teething troubles last longer than three days, or if he has high fever, diarrhea, sore ears, or refuses to drink.

Ten Foods That Dentists Hate

These are the ten foods dentists hate because they are sticky or sugary. Some of it get stuck between teeth or lower pH levels in the mouth. So if your kids eat them, be sure he brushes well after wards.

• Gummy candy(even vitamins)

• Caramel

• Taffy

• Carbonated drinks

• Fruit drinks with high fructose corn syrup

• Bubble gum (with sugar)

• Raisins

• Potato chips

• Hard candy
  

• Honey
  

What do you look for in a dentist??

Ok my baby's teeth is not yet out, shes 8 months now, but when choosing a dentist for yourself and for your kids what do you look for? Here are some guidelines to follow:

1. Ask a friend. Ask a friend or a relative or a co-worker. Ask if they have a dentist they would recommend.

2. Look for the dentist credentials. Look for diplomas and some certificate on seminars attended. joining seminars and organizations updates the dentist on new technology, current dental trends and techniques.

3. Location and space of the dentist clinic. Of course its important that your dentist is not that far away from your residence and that the dentist clinic is spacious and accommodating, some dentist have plenty of clients that there no space for you to wait for your turn.

4. Schedule. Yup its also nice that the schedule of your dentist corresponds with your's. Some dentist tend to have a clinic every M-W-F some everyday.

5. Be comfortable. Its very important to be comfortable with your dentist, my wife is very picky when it comes to dentist, she always look if the dentist teeth are good, she always said" why pick that dentist if he/she can't take care of his/her teeth( hmm she has a point there).