Teeth grinding is a common problem in my medical practice, especially in pediatric clinics. When many parents bring their children to the doctor, the first sentence is often "Doctor, my child always grinds his teeth when he sleeps at night, does he have parasites?"
I remember one time, a 10-year-old boy and his mother came to my office. His mother told me very anxiously that her son grinds his teeth every night when he sleeps, so loud that he can hear it in the next room. She had looked up a lot of information on the Internet and almost concluded that it was caused by parasites. After asking in detail about the child's daily life and health, I found out that the little boy had been under a lot of academic pressure recently and was often worried about his test scores. Further examination revealed that his teeth were slightly crooked and there were no signs of parasites.
Based on this information, we begin to consider other possible causes, such as psychological stress and dental problems. I recommend that parents take their children to the dentist first, and give some tips for relaxation, such as proper outdoor activities and getting enough sleep. After a few weeks, the little boy's teeth grinding improved significantly. His mother also learned not to rely too much on online information and to seek professional advice.
Common misconceptions: the real association between parasites and children's teeth grinding
In pediatric clinics, parents often ask if it is a parasite that causes their child to grind his teeth at night. This misconception stems from the older generation's belief that teeth grinding is primarily associated with parasitic infections. However, according to modern medical research, this view needs to be updated with more accurate information.
First, while parasitic infections, such as roundworms, can indeed cause teeth grinding in children in some cases, this is not the main cause. In fact, improvements in modern sanitation have greatly reduced the vulnerability of children to parasites. When parasites are a consideration, they are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, indigestion, or weight loss, rather than teeth grinding alone.
Studies have shown that teeth grinding is more often associated with other factors, such as psychological stress, misaligned or occlusive teeth, sleep disturbances, etc. For example, anxiety and nervousness can cause children to unconsciously clench their teeth during sleep to release stress. In addition, breathing disorders during sleep are also thought to be an important factor in the cause of teeth grinding.
Therefore, when parents find out that their child has problems grinding teeth, the best course of action is to have a full medical evaluation rather than just looking for traces of the parasite. This includes a joint assessment by a paediatrician, dentist and, if necessary, a psychologist to ensure that the true cause of teeth grinding is found and that appropriate treatment or management strategies are provided.
Other factors that may contribute to teeth grinding in children
Although many parents blame their children's teeth grinding problems on parasitic infections, in fact, the causes of teeth grinding are complex and involve a variety of physical and psychological factors. Understanding these factors is essential to finding the right prevention and treatment.
Psychological factors
A child's teeth grinding is often related to a state of mind. Nervousness, anxiety, or other emotional stress can cause your child to unconsciously grind his teeth during sleep. For example, a 7-year-old child grinds his teeth a lot at night due to school pressure and changes in his family environment. Through the child's psychological counseling and the adjustment of the family environment, the child's teeth grinding has been significantly improved.
Misaligned teeth or growth problems
As children grow, the development of teeth and jaw may not be fully coordinated. Misaligned teeth or bite problems not only affect your child's appearance but can also be a cause of teeth grinding. The orthodontist will usually address teeth grinding by examining your child's oral structure and assessing whether orthodontic treatment is needed.
Sleep disturbances
Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, can also cause teeth grinding. This type of disorder interrupts your child's sleep at night, causing the body to unconsciously try to re-open the airways, which indirectly leads to teeth grinding. To this end, parents should observe their child's sleep patterns, watch for frequent apneas or unusual snoring sounds, and seek a professional sleep evaluation.
Medication side effects
Certain medications, especially those used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or depression, can have side effects that cause teeth grinding. If your child develops teeth grinding after starting a new medication, parents should discuss possible alternatives or dose adjustments with their doctor.
Prevention and management strategies: practical ways to cope with teeth grinding in children
Teeth grinding can not only damage your child's teeth, but it can also affect the quality of their sleep. Knowing how to effectively prevent and manage teeth grinding is something every parent should know. Here are some scientific and practical strategies that can help you reduce or eliminate teeth grinding problems in children.
1. Enhance bedtime relaxation
Teeth grinding in children is often directly related to sleep quality. Establishing a regular bedtime routine can help your child relax better. For example:
Regular sleep time: Go to bed and wake up at a fixed time each day.
Relaxation activities: Listening to soft music, reading a storybook or doing gentle stretching exercises can help your child relax.
Avoid stimulating activities: Avoid watching TV or other electronic devices before bedtime, as these activities may make your child more excited.
2. Use braces
If the child's teeth grinding problems are severe, braces may be considered. Braces are effective in preventing tooth wear and jaw joint problems caused by teeth grinding. Consult with a paediatric dentist to tailor the right braces for your child's specific situation.
3. Improve your eating habits
A healthy diet can also help relieve teeth grinding:
Eat a balanced diet: Make sure your child's diet contains enough vitamins and minerals, which are essential for the health of the nervous system.
Avoid foods that are difficult to chew: such as foods that are too hard or sticky, which can increase the burden on the masticatory muscles and induce teeth grinding.
4. Psychological interventions
As teeth grinding can be associated with psychological stress, it is important to provide a stable and supportive environment for your child. If needed, seek help from a counsellor to help your child learn more effective stress management skills.
5. Regular dental check-ups
Taking your child for regular dental check-ups can detect signs of teeth grinding and potential oral problems early. The dentist can also provide further prevention and management advice.