Question
Should a child be checked by a doctor if they grind their teeth at night?
Answer
Hello: Children often have a “click-click” grinding sound when they fall asleep at night, and this “dry grinding” produces a particularly loud and rough sound, which can be very uncomfortable to listen to, and the child cannot control it themselves. Medically, this is known as “night grinding.” The cause of night grinding is not yet completely determined. Generally, it is believed that in addition to intestinal parasites causing grinding reflexively, gastrointestinal dysfunction can also lead to night grinding; excitement or overexertion can also trigger grinding; in addition, during the tooth replacement period, malocclusion can cause disordered chewing muscle movement, leading to spasms and contractions that result in night grinding. Therefore, it cannot be simply considered as caused by worms. Long-term night grinding in children can affect dental health and may lead to symptoms. For example, the front teeth may become shorter, affecting appearance, while the back teeth may become flat, causing muscle fatigue and pain in the chewing muscles. In severe cases, it can lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction; enamel wear can expose the dentin, causing teeth to become sensitive to cold, heat, sweet, and sour, and even leading to pulpitis. Therefore, if a child grinds their teeth at night, parents should pay attention and seek treatment. Prevention and treatment methods: 1. Avoid excessive excitement in children during the day and ensure they are relaxed before bedtime; do not watch stimulating TV shows. 2. Check for intestinal parasitic diseases at the hospital; if present, follow the doctor’s instructions for deworming. 3. For persistent cases, make a mouthguard and wear it while sleeping to prevent direct wear on the teeth. 4. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment is also effective.