My toddler now has three teeth. One on top and two on the bottom. Ever since the top one came in she’s been grinding the teeth together. I’m very worried about this. Is there something I can do?
Betty
Dear Betty,
Children are our biggest joy and constant worry. We want to keep them safe. We want to keep them healthy. We want them to grow to be people of character. We want them to be successful. It’s understandable you’re worried about her teeth grinding. In adults, it destroys their teeth. However, with infants and toddlers, this is quite common.
We don’t really know why they grind their teeth. It could be just the sensation of new things in their mouth and they’re fascinated. It could be the feeling of teething is driving them bonkers. Either way, most of them outgrow it fairly quickly.
When to See a Pediatric Dentist
If she hasn’t already had a pediatric dental appointment, go ahead and schedule one. It’s always better to bring children to the dentist early before there’s time for problems to develop. Too many parents wait until their child has a toothache to bring them in. Then their first experience with a dentist is a painful one. That memory sticks with children and sets them up for a lifetime of dental anxiety.
If you go now, your dentist can give her a positive experience, as well as check to make sure she’s not damaging any enamel. There are things a dentist can do to help strengthen her teeth and protect her from cavities.
He can also keep an eye on whether or not she’s developing any cracks or breaks in her teeth as a result of the grinding.
So, take a deep breath. Your daughter will likely be just fine, as long as you don’t wait until she has a dental emergency to bring her in.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY dentist Dr. John Weaver.