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Sleeping Problems (Home) > Restless Legs Syndrome > Bruxism While Sleeping

What is Bruxism?

Clenching or grinding of teeth is known as Bruxism. This is a very common childhood disorder. Children grind their teeth in sleep because of prolonged stress or sometimes even because of inadequate rest after a long period of fatigue. Bruxism while sleeping in children must be understood correctly so that it is attended to quickly and the root causes for its occurrence removed before more serious damage is done to your child.

Bruxism While Sleeping

Bruxism while sleeping is prevalent in most young children. Surprisingly it is a disorder which is inherited by children from their forefathers. Stress or even perceived stress by young children is known to cause Bruxism while sleeping. Children must, therefore, be given a lot of love and affection so that they feel wanted and all important. Adults at home and particularly the parents must listen to them so that the young children have an opportunity to share their smallest problems.

Children who experience Bruxism can cause damage to their teeth, jaws and gums. Bruxism can also result in sore jaws or abnormalities in teeth of young children. Constant Bruxism especially if it is left untreated results in Painful tenderness in the jaws and is very uncomfortable while eating or even swallowing food. Prolonged periods of Bruxism may even lead to a persistent dull headache in young children. The child may be easily irritated and loses interest in other activities.

Care for Bruxism While Sleeping

If you take your child to the dentist he can advise you on the tell tale signs for Bruxism. This will help to forestall any abnormalities in the child’s teeth. The dentist may sometimes prescribe an athletics mouth guard for your child. These come in free sizes to fit variable mouth sizes and are not so expensive. They can, therefore, be used and thrown away. Over a period of time when the child gets over Bruxism their use can be discontinued.

Random Sleeping Tip
If you are going through different clinical conditions and you have to take the medication on a regular basis such as diabetes etc. then you need to make sure that you schedule your medication regimen at such times that just does not disturb your sleep patterns. So it is best that you take your medicines before you go to bed and at the time when you wake up. If your medication regimen is disturbing your sleep wake cycle then you must contact your physician to help you out with that.

There is a myth that Bruxism is a result of infestation of pin worms in the child. There is no scientific data to confirm this aspect and the issue is not discussed any further. Of course Bruxism is also prevalent in some adolescents and even adults. This is because of undue emotional stress and strain. Psychological counseling is required for the management of Bruxism in adults. The damage to the jaw muscles or the teeth is greater in adult patients and they need to wear mouth guards before going to bed.

Conclusion

Bruxism while sleeping is a serious sleep disorder which needs early attention. It is quite common in young children but it also afflicts adolescents and sometimes adults too. There are a number of myths related to Bruxism. Some of them say that worms cause this disorder while other stories that abound tell of young children weaning of experiences of previous births. All these tales have no scientific basis and are mere grandmother stories. The fact remains that Bruxism is a worrying sleep disorder that must be treated with affection, care and if required with the advise of a dentist.


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