Why Children Grind Teeth?

Excerpts from Webmd.com

The problem of teeth grinding is not limited to adults. 

Approximately 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth. Children who grind their teeth tend to do so at two peak times -- when their baby teeth emerge and when their permanent teeth come in. Most children lose the teeth grinding habit after these two sets of teeth have come in more fully.

Most commonly, children grind their teeth during sleep rather than during waking hours. No one knows exactly why children grind their teeth but considerations include improperly aligned teeth or irregular contact between upper and lower teeth, illnesses and other medical conditions (such as nutritional deficiencies, pinworm, allergies, endocrine disorders), and psychological factors including anxiety and stress.

Grinding of the baby teeth rarely results in problems. However, teeth grinding can cause jaw pain, headaches, wear on the teeth. 

Consult us if your child's teeth look worn or if your child complains of tooth sensitivity or pain. You can reach out to us at 080 2520 0226

Why Children Grind Teeth?

Excerpts from Webmd.com

The problem of teeth grinding is not limited to adults. 

Approximately 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth. Children who grind their teeth tend to do so at two peak times -- when their baby teeth emerge and when their permanent teeth come in. Most children lose the teeth grinding habit after these two sets of teeth have come in more fully.

Most commonly, children grind their teeth during sleep rather than during waking hours. No one knows exactly why children grind their teeth but considerations include improperly aligned teeth or irregular contact between upper and lower teeth, illnesses and other medical conditions (such as nutritional deficiencies, pinworm, allergies, endocrine disorders), and psychological factors including anxiety and stress.

Grinding of the baby teeth rarely results in problems. However, teeth grinding can cause jaw pain, headaches, wear on the teeth. 

Consult us if your child's teeth look worn or if your child complains of tooth sensitivity or pain. You can reach out to us at 080 2520 0226

Bruxism or 'Teeth Grinding' Prevents Dental Growth

Most people probably grind and clench their teeth from time to time. Occasional teeth grinding, medically called bruxism, does not usually cause harm, but when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise.

Why Do People Grind Their Teeth?

Source- http://www.flormanortho.com/

Although teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, it often occurs during sleep and is more likely caused by an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth. It can also be caused by a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea.

How Do I Find Out if I Grind My Teeth?

Because grinding often occurs during sleep, most people are unaware that they grind their teeth. However, a dull, constant headache or sore jaw when you wake up is a telltale symptom of bruxism. Many times people learn that they grind their teeth by their loved one who hears the grinding at night.

If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist. He or she can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, such as jaw tenderness and excessive wear on your teeth.

Why Is Teeth Grinding Harmful?

In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in a fracturing, loosening, or loss of teeth. The chronic grinding may wear teeth down to stumps. When these events happen, bridges, crowns, root canals, implants, partial dentures, and even complete dentures may be needed.

Article excerpts from http://www.webmd.com/

Common Dental Emergencies - DENTAL IMPACTION

Dental emergencies happen when least expected. Although some, like toothache and broken tooth can be managed even after 24 hours, some others such as DENTAL IMPACTION need immediate attention at home before a dentist's visit can be arranged.

Dental impaction is the forceful pushing of the teeth inside or into the jaw bone. This is often what happens by a blunt trauma, when the child falls on their mouth or jaw. When the trauma is mild, the tooth is pushed halfway into the jaw, but in severe cases, the entire tooth gets pushed in, with possible injuries to the tooth's ligament and even fracture to the socket.

Often times in case of trauma or fall, there is plenty of bleeding (disproportionate to the trauma), including visible lip tear or injury, thereby preventing early detection of impaction.

PRIMARY MANAGEMENT

In such a case, it is necessary to manage the initial situation as quickly and conservatively as possible;

• Stop the Bleeding - If the bleeding is from the outer lip or tongue, apply gentle pressure on the area with a clean moist cloth for a while. If inner lip bleeds, press the area gently against the child's teeth/gums.
• Distract the child during cleaning- Sing, talk or soothe the child in whichever way you can. Any treatment needs a child to sit still.
• Keep the area cool - Numbing the pain and reducing the swelling are first priority. Apply an ice pack or frozen veggies on the area. Sucking a popsicle is also a great idea.
• Painkiller - These should be given only when the child is unable to bear the pain for long, usually under advice from the pediatric dentist
• Change diet temporarily - Although often superficial, lip cuts or injuries can be very painful. It is better to change the diet for children to liquid or semi-solid till the wound heals. Softer diets help healing faster and don't tend to irritate. Chilled treats such as popsicle or ice cream, and a mouth rinse after food will take care of dental hygiene too for a while.

Once the bleeding is under control, the injury must be shown to a pediatric dentist at the earliest. Usually it is just to take advice on further course of action and check if there's any damage, tear or cut in the deeper tissues of the mouth.

TREATMENT

Baby teeth that are impacted often come out on their own, depending on the depth they have gone into the jawline. This may take 3 to 7 months and occurs due to the natural growth of the jaw in children. In case the teeth don't come out and if there are chances of damage to the root of the permanent teeth, then extrusion or teeth removal is the only remedial action performed by the pediatric dentist. 

Oral Injuries and their treatment

In case your child needs medical intervention after a fall or a pediatric dentist to look into her teeth, and decide the further course of action, reach out to Dr.Premila. She can be reached at Small Bites Dental Clinic.

Common Dental Emergencies - DENTAL IMPACTION

Dental emergencies happen when least expected. Although some, like toothache and broken tooth can be managed even after 24 hours, some others such as DENTAL IMPACTION need immediate attention at home before a dentist's visit can be arranged.

Dental impaction is the forceful pushing of the teeth inside or into the jaw bone. This is often what happens by a blunt trauma, when the child falls on their mouth or jaw. When the trauma is mild, the tooth is pushed halfway into the jaw, but in severe cases, the entire tooth gets pushed in, with possible injuries to the tooth's ligament and even fracture to the socket.

Often times in case of trauma or fall, there is plenty of bleeding (disproportionate to the trauma), including visible lip tear or injury, thereby preventing early detection of impaction.

PRIMARY MANAGEMENT

In such a case, it is necessary to manage the initial situation as quickly and conservatively as possible;

• Stop the Bleeding - If the bleeding is from the outer lip or tongue, apply gentle pressure on the area with a clean moist cloth for a while. If inner lip bleeds, press the area gently against the child's teeth/gums.
• Distract the child during cleaning- Sing, talk or soothe the child in whichever way you can. Any treatment needs a child to sit still.
• Keep the area cool - Numbing the pain and reducing the swelling are first priority. Apply an ice pack or frozen veggies on the area. Sucking a popsicle is also a great idea.
• Painkiller - These should be given only when the child is unable to bear the pain for long, usually under advice from the pediatric dentist
• Change diet temporarily - Although often superficial, lip cuts or injuries can be very painful. It is better to change the diet for children to liquid or semi-solid till the wound heals. Softer diets help healing faster and don't tend to irritate. Chilled treats such as popsicle or ice cream, and a mouth rinse after food will take care of dental hygiene too for a while.

Once the bleeding is under control, the injury must be shown to a pediatric dentist at the earliest. Usually it is just to take advice on further course of action and check if there's any damage, tear or cut in the deeper tissues of the mouth.

TREATMENT

Baby teeth that are impacted often come out on their own, depending on the depth they have gone into the jawline. This may take 3 to 7 months and occurs due to the natural growth of the jaw in children. In case the teeth don't come out and if there are chances of damage to the root of the permanent teeth, then extrusion or teeth removal is the only remedial action performed by the pediatric dentist. 

Oral Injuries and their treatment

In case your child needs medical intervention after a fall or a pediatric dentist to look into her teeth, and decide the further course of action, reach out to Dr.Premila. She can be reached at Small Bites Dental Clinic.

Management of Autistic Children at The Dentist

Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder have impaired social interaction and limited communication abilities, combined with a restricted amount of activities and interests. While parents are often able to manage them in familiar places and situations like the home, it becomes difficult to do the same outside, especially when visiting specialized healthcare providers including dentists.

Considering that 1 in ever 30 Indian children displays signs of ASD, pediatric dentists are very sensitive to their dental needs and specialized management. Even so, parents have a large role to play in ensuring all procedures go smoothly, and children come away with the least amount of stress and mental trauma.

Dentists managing autistic children are aware of them exhibiting specific observable behavior;

IMPAIRED SOCIAL RESPONSE - Children are unable to read and respond to feelings and experiences, with absolute no understanding most times

IMPAIRED COMMUNICATION - Children are unable to use and understand gestures, repetition of words (echolalia) and a rigid body stance is often displayed

Besides the atypical behavioral and impaired communication skills that are observed and need careful handling, below are often the main dental problems that such children exhibit;

* Bruxism or teeth grinding, often when asleep or the child isn't aware of it

* Tongue thrusting or repeated tongue movements

* Chewing at all odd times without presence of food

* Self-injury, where pinching gums, biting lips and creating wounds is common

* Erosion of teeth

* Caries, when teeth aren't brushed thoroughly because the child finds it unpleasant

* Poor oral care at home, because of difficulty in managing the child

* Limited dietary preferences. Autistic children have very strong likes and dislikes (Only pureed food, no vegetables, dislike of particular vegetable color, etc.)

Management of an Autistic Child at the dentist, can be divided into two phases;

PRE MANAGEMENT or BEFORE CHILD MEETS THE DENTIST

• It is important to plan a desensitizing appointment with the dentist to help the child familiarize themselves with the doctor and the staff
• Allow the child to bring things that can comfort them, a favorite blanket, stuffed toy or even hold the parent's hand
• Parents need to discuss with the doctor about the child's tolerance to pain and discomfort, and their threshold
• Share the child's intellectual and understanding abilities with the doctor, so that they can phrase sentences or relate with the child accordingly

POST MANAGEMENT or AFTER THE CHILD MEETS THE DENTIST

• The dentist will communicate with the child at a level he/she can understand. They use phrases such as 'Tell', 'Do', 'Show' when explaining any procedures or methods, always speaking in clear, precise tones
• Oral examination is begun with only fingers first, while the hard feel of dental instruments is brought in later
• Dental instruments are only shown later. Suddeness of movements by the dentist is kept to a minimum and light is kept away from the child's face. Sensory input of any kind is kept as less as possible to avoid distraction
• Dentists place same staff at all examinations and interruptions are kept minimal
• Child's co-operative behavior is always encouraged with positive words and nods
• The child's unusual body movements are always observed and pre-empted

Most pediatric dentists are aware of the extra care and effort it takes to manage autistic children, and are extra cautious while carrying out any kind of dental procedures. As a parent, it is important to know what to expect, understand how the process can be made easy and prepare the child for any kind of dental visit.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush for Your Children's Teeth

Toothbrushes are one of the most important tools in dental hygiene, and yet they are often taken for granted. While adults choose toothbrushes based on ease of use and other fancier requirements - dual bristles or unusual shape, with children we often buy what we assume is best for them in terms of their looks.

Toothbrushes have come a long way - from 'chew sticks with frayed edges', still used in rural areas, to those crafted with bone or wood. Nylon bristled plastic toothbrushes, as we see them today, were only introduced in the 1930's.

Why Brush?

Toothbrush plays an important role in a child's oral health. Brushing removes accumulated food, plaque found between teeth and even the yellowish stain on them (a sticky film of bacteria). If plaque is left untouched, it leads to tartar formation or whitish deposits between teeth. When this tartar hardens, brushing becomes difficult, leading to gum tissue swelling or bleed. This is when periodontal or gum disease actually begins.

Which is the best toothbrush to choose for your child's teeth?

The toothbrush market is bursting with them in various sizes, colors and shapes. It is often difficult to choose which is the perfect one. Below are a few pointers about what you can look out for;

·        

•       Soft Bristled - Children have small teeth, and their gums are sensitive. Soft bristles help remove plaque and food from the gum line, as well as are gentle on gums. It is better to choose toothbrushes that have a rounded end or are polished. 
•       Comfort matters - It doesn't matter what toothbrush you choose for your child's teeth, it must be comfortable. Long toothbrushes can cause injuries and short ones may not reach certain areas of the mouth. The only criteria you should look for, is whether the brush fits their mouth and reaches the back of it as well.

•       Regular or Powered Toothbrushes - Electric powered toothbrushes are very popular abroad, but haven't yet caught the fancy of Indians in a big way. While powered have been thought to clean teeth better, regular ones are just as good, safer and also cost-effective.

Age specific brush use;

1. Babies and Toddlers - Using a damp cloth or gauze, rubbed gently in circular motions is sufficient to clean baby's teeth. Toothbrushes are available for babies, which are small and convenient. Beginning their use early, makes the child get used to the ritual and removes accumulation of milk and food.

By 2 years of age, toddlers are eager to brush themselves, and longer toothbrushes with small heads and soft grips can keep them busy with their teeth.

2. Five to Eight - At this age, the child shows his readiness to brush independently. The toothbrushes although similar to adult ones, are still small with large handles. Manual and powered are often available for pre-adolescent children.

Buying the right toothbrush for your child's teeth, isn't where it all begins and ends. For clean and healthy teeth, brushing must be done twice a day, after breakfast and before bed at night. Flossing must be done whenever possible, to remove food accumulated between teeth. When toothbrush bristles fray or after a period of three months - whichever earlier - new toothbrushes have to replace the old ones. Brushes for kids are to be replaced more frequently than that of adults.

It is always important to involve your child when buying toothbrush for themselves, so that they grow to love the entire process of cleaning their teeth lifelong.

Crowns for Baby Teeth

What is a crown?

A crown, sometimes also called a cap, is a restoration which covers the entire tooth. In enables the tooth to be used for normal biting and chewing. It also improves the appearance and strengthens and protects the tooth underneath. 

Most people are familiar with crowns for adult teeth. With advances in children's dentistry people are becoming more aware  of the importance of saving baby teeth until they fall out naturally. See previous post - Are Baby Teeth Important? (click for link) 

New techniques and materials have led to crowns for baby teeth which have improved appearance and fit.

When do baby teeth require crowns?

• When teeth are severely decayed, worn or fractured and there is not enough tooth surface to adequately hold a filling. 
• Teeth with severe developmental problems of the enamel and dentine may also require crowns. 
• Teeth which have had the nerve removed due to severe decay and infection (see Root Canal Treatment for baby teeth - Pulpectomy) are more brittle and prone to fracture and usually also require a crown.

Advantages of Crowns

• Preserves tooth until it is ready to fall out naturally, maintaining space for adult tooth to come through into.
• Stronger and longer lasting than large fillings.
• Enables normal functioning of tooth for eating and speaking.
• Improves appearance and therefore self-esteem.

What types of crowns can be used for baby teeth?

Crowns for adult teeth are usually made in a dental laboratory after taking an impression mold of the prepared tooth. Crowns for baby teeth can be made in the same way, however, this procedure takes two visits and can be difficult for young children. Therefore, ready made, or pre-formed, crowns are often used.

Pre-formed metal crowns

Ready made metal crowns have been used, mostly for back molar teeth, with a high success rates for many years. They are relatively inexpensive and provide a good fit with minimal tooth preparation and adjustments. They are strong and will last many years, until the tooth is ready to fall out naturally.




However, many people do not like the appearance of the metal. With advances in dental materials, tooth coloured crowns are becoming more popular.

Metal crowns may be modified by replacing the front area with white filling material or by bonding a tooth-coloured facing to the area visible when smiling. The aim is to keep the strength of the metal but improve the appearance. Some metal usually still shows at the edges and on the back of the tooth. Tooth coloured facings sometimes de-bond and fall off. 

Tooth coloured crowns

Strip crowns, also called acid etch crowns, are often used for front teeth. They are made directly in the mouth from composite filling material using a celluloid crown former with the desired shape of the tooth. By choosing the right shade of filling material a very good colour match can be achieved. The durability of a strip crown depends on how much tooth is left and how well the tooth was prepared for the crown. Care must be taken as this type of crown is prone to being broken, loosened or dislodged if too much pressure is applied to the tooth. 

Pre-formed tooth coloured crowns

At Small Bites we are always keeping up with the latest advances in dentistry. We have introduced high quality, pre-formed white crowns made from zirconia for children's teeth. These are imported from the USA and available for both front and back teeth. Zirconia is a hard, tooth-colored material similar to ceramic, but stronger.

The crowns are pre-made to specific sizes and the teeth require a small amount of preparation before the crown is fitted. 

Although more expensive than other crowns they have the appearance of a natural tooth. Only your dentist will know that it is a crown. 

Zirconia crowns give improved fit, tooth shade matching and durability.

If you would like to know more please comment or visit us at Small Bites - exclusive dental care for children in Bangalore.