grinding teeth

[debbie.c]

I recently took my almost 5 year old to the dentist because a few of his teeth seem to be wearing away. I have always been really careful with teeth cleaning as I have a lot of fillings and don't want my kids to go through that! The dentist told me it was not caused by brushing but by him grinding his teeth! He is wearing away the enamel on some teeth because he is doing it so much. Has anyone else had this problem, and if so any advice? He must be doing in his sleep because I never notice it during the day. I want to stop it before his next teeth come through.(By the way, when do the next ones normally come ?)

[Lallas' Mum]

My son only ground his teeth when he first started getting his molars and to my knowledge doesn't do it anymore. I have heard of people using mouthguards to stop grinding when they sleep but I can only view this has a HUGE choking hazard to a child. Maybe your dentist can give you some more advice on how to combat this problem.

As for their second set of teeth - Children usually start loosing teeth in early primary school years. On average I believe it is around 6-7 years of age. But just as it varies as to when the get their first teeth it can certainly vary as to when they loose them.

Something that just sprang to mind - I remember grinding my teeth when they got wobbley as the new ones started pushing through, so maybe your son is doing the same as his new teeth are emerging. Don't know - just a stab in the dark.

Keep us posted on any advancements.

Tracey
:) Mum to Alec (Lalla) 17 1/2 months and bub due May 2nd

[Nickster]

I'm a tooth grinder from way back. At 35, I have ground down my molars and need to replace them with crowns. I have a mouth splint to stop any further wear, but there's nothing I can do about the grinding. I even grind the splint in my sleep!! Sorry it's not much help to you, I wish I could say something supportive! Hopefully he will just stop, and thankfully you're aware of it now and can therefore take steps to help him. Good luck with it all!!