Suggest Treatment For Teeth Grinding In A Child

Posted on Sun, 31 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 31 Jan 2016 Answered on

Tue, 22 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, My son XXXXXXX of age 5 years is suffering from teeth grinding in night time from last 4 months. I didn't pay much attention to it initially but now whenever I wake up at mid-night, I hear the sound.. I don't know if this is a sign of any disease.. He is very healthy and always play at home and with friends and doesn't have a habit of addicting to smart phones. He is prone to catching cold often..
Kindly suggest the best course of treatment for teeth grinding.

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
bruxism, splints, anti depressants

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your query, I have gone through your query.
As far as the bruxism or grinding of the teeth during night time is concerned, the exact cause is unknown, but the predisposing factors could be stress, anxiety, frustrations,.etc. Nothing to be panic, consult an oral physician and get it evaluated. You need to get fremitus test done to confirm the diagnosis. If the diagnosis is confirmed, we can treat the condition with soft splints and anti depressant drugs. You have to get this condition treated as early as possible because, it can injure the teeth(attrition) or it can result in temporomandibular joint issues.
I hope I have answered your query, if any queries are there reply me back.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (48 minutes later)

Thank you doctor for your quick replay. I will consult a physician and will learn more about this decease and as you said, will get fremitus test done.
Do you suggest a pediatrician or physician?? please confirm.

Appreciate your help!!

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Oral physician, pedodontist

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feed back. It is better to consult an oral physician, means a dentist who is specialised in oral medicine and radiology and a pedodontist that is a dentist who is specialised in pediatric dentistry. Nothing to worry it is not a serious issue but I t is better to get it treated in the initial stages.
I hope I have answered your query. If any queries are there reply me back. Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T