February is Children’s Dental Health Month, making it a great time to talk to our kids about what great oral hygiene means in a way that is fun, exciting, and interesting to them.
Part of seeing pediatric patients is making sure I am relaying information for the parents to understand and take home but more importantly helping to educate kiddos on what it means to practice great oral hygiene.
As part of Children’s Dental Health Month, here are some tips parents can use to get their kids thinking about oral hygiene differently, and some fun facts to share with kids (or adults) to keep teeth interesting.
Kid’s Oral Health Tips for Parents
- Brush your Teeth Together. Leading by example goes a long way. Make brushing teeth together in the morning and nighttime part of your routine. This encourages your child to look forward to brushing with you, and they get to be like one of their favorite people!
- Incentivize Brushing with Rewards. If your child is reluctant to brush, you may be able to offer a reward that encourages brushing, some families even find success when using a star chart or other reward system.
- Set a Timer. A two-minute timer will help your child know when they can stop brushing and keep them accountable. You can also challenge your child to see if they can brush for the whole two minutes without stopping.
- Tasty Flavors + Fun Dental Products. A lot of kids respond well to toothbrushes with their favorite character on it, or flavored toothpaste or mouthwashes. It can help make toothbrushing something fun and exciting to look forward to.
Fun Facts for Kids to Sink Their Teeth Into
Did You Know?
- Kids laugh around 400 times a day, adults just 15 times a day.
- Kids in prehistoric times likely did not suffer from tooth decay. The American Dental Association says this is because sugar was not a part of their diet.
- Tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the human body; because it’s so durable, healthy tooth enamel protects teeth from cavity-causing oral bacteria.
- The modern toothbrush was not developed until the 1700s.
- Egyptians even brushed their teeth using a powdery substance made from crushed eggshells and oxen hooves. Using these ingredients in powder form and mixing with water formed an abrasive that may have been an effective means of removing remnants left by food.
- The most valuable tooth belonged to Sir Isaac Newton. In 1816 one of his teeth was sold in London for $3,633, or in today’s terms $35,700. The tooth was set in a ring!
Share a few of these facts with your child the next time they brush and make brushing together more enjoyable. They’ll really impress their teachers in class the next day!
Teeth Grinding in Children – Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Teeth grinding, otherwise known as bruxism, is a common problem in children. It is estimated that around two-to-three in every 10 children will grind their teeth and while some children grow out of it, others continue into adulthood.
Teeth grinding can become a serious problem, even when children still have their baby teeth. It’s important that parents take their child to the dentist if they suspect their child is grinding their teeth.
Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
It can be hard for parents to realise their child is grinding their teeth because the symptoms can relate to so many other ailments.
The most common symptoms include:
- Headache
- Earache
- Jaw pain
- Chipped teeth
- Worn teeth
- Pain in the face or neck
- Damage to the soft tissue of the mouth
- Frequent waking during the night
Children may only grind their teeth at night, but it’s also common for them to clench their teeth during the day.
Teeth Grinding Causes
There are several causes of teeth grinding, but one of the main causes is misaligned teeth.
For some children, the grinding of teeth may only occur for a short time while teeth are shifting and realigning, which causes some discomfort at night. They may be suffering from a short-term illness or allergy that causes the problem, but disappears once the illness clears.
- When teeth don’t sit together due to a poor bite, they’re more likely to be in close contact with another tooth and easier to grind.
- Stress and anxiety are also common causes of grinding.
- Children who are hyperactive or have cerebral palsy are more likely to grind their teeth.
- Some medications are thought to cause a child to grind their teeth.
- Being dehydrated can cause bruxism in children and adults.
If you suspect your child may be grinding their teeth in their sleep, go into their room during different stages of sleep and listen for any noises.
At your child’s next dentist appointment, mention any symptoms and ask the dentist if they can check for signs of bruxism.
How to Treat Teeth Grinding
There are a number of treatments available for teeth grinding. The method of treatment taken will depend on the factors that could be causing the problem.
Relieve Stress and Anxiety
If you know your child is anxious or stressed, try some stress relieving techniques, particularly before bed. Some soothing sounds, a warm bath and relaxed bedtime routine are worth a try. Keep talking to your child to find out what is causing their stress or anxiety. Help them work through any issues they’re having to reduce the burden they’re feeling.
Diet and Dental Hygiene
Make sure your child isn’t going to bed dehydrated. Ensure they’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day and eating a healthy diet. Make sure your child is brushing their teeth morning and night.
Preventing Damage with a Night Guard
If the cause is unknown or proving difficult to fix, one of the best options is the protection of a night guard. A clear aligner worn just in bed will protect teeth from being worn down or damaged, but it also protects the jaw and head from pain after a bad night of teeth grinding. Some people continue to grind their teeth and can even destroy the guard with time, but at least the teeth are largely protected.
A night guard may also be used as an interim measure before misaligned teeth can be treated through orthodontics. Once the bite is improved through braces, Invisalign or surgery, a night guard may be no longer needed. Speak to an orthodontist for a plan to fix your child’s bite and hopefully also their bruxism.
Orthodontics for Bruxism
When you have tried other forms of prevention for teeth grinding, you may consider asking your dentist for a referral to an orthodontist. You may already be aware of other dental issues that can be treated with orthodontics, such as a poor bite or crooked teeth.
Orthodontics may improve a number of dental issues they’re experiencing now and potentially save them from others as an adult. Fixing the bite will improve the appearance of their smile and, in some cases, the shape of the face. Braces may also work to save your child from painful jaw problems later in life caused by years of teeth grinding.