Una contraction of the jaws that combines the rubbing of the teeth while we sleep: let’s talk about the Bruxism night, a phenomenon that impact considerably on sleep quality and which seems to be growing even among the most small.
According to what emerged from one studypublished in the international scientific journal Pediatric dentistrysleep bruxism concerns today About 20% of children still in the age of milk teeth (primary dentition), between 3 and 13 years old, and is often related to night disorders as Respiratory problems, anxiety, stress, snoring. Increasingly common phenomena in childhood that may have a negative impact on health, learning, school performance and children’s quality of life. Research He examined the results of over 400 research internationally published in the literature on the associated factors and the treatment options for the clinical management of the Bruxism sleep in children with primary dentition.
Bruxism in children: what are the most frequent causes
“Bruxism can be caused by tension, stress and sleep disorders – explains the Dr. Erica Barina, president of Facexp. – The latter in details can be caused by several factors: there are situations in which external stimuli such as the light on and the noise they can negatively influence theOrganic watch and the child’s sleeping fisiopathology And, consequently, they can be important contributing factors of bruxism. In some cases, hyperactive children tend to manifest their hyperactivity even in sleep Just grinding the teeth. Or cases in which the anxious profile that the child manifests derives from the obstruction of the respiratory tracta recognized risk factor For sleep bruxism ».
The consequences
In most cases night bruxism disappears spontaneously with growthusually upon completion of the permanent dentition. In the strictest and non -treated forms, however, it can have consequences. «Bruxism in children can bring to the dental abrasion of the first permanent teeth that begin to appear already around six And favors tension of facial muscles – The expert clarifies. – if protracted in adulthood, in addition to Create teeth damage in terms of abrasions and overloadscan also be responsible for early failures of prosthetic restorations Implantaries and functional alterations ».
Bruxism in children: the signs to pay attention to
The main signal to which lend be careful to understand If there is a problem of night bruxism it is the classic noise perceived during the sleep of the child. «A noise that it can also be very strong – explains Dr. Barina. – But not only: another alarm bell are the signs of abrasion of the teeth “.
In the presence of these signals, the advice useful for parents is therefore that of monitor children’s sleep for a few days, so as to know how to inform the pediatrician on the duration and intensity of the phenomenon.
The possible solutions
What are the possible solutions?
“It doesn’t exist A real therapy to solve the problem of bruxism – He still underlines Dr. Barina. – It is always recommended a multidisciplinary treatment of the small patientwhich provides for a collaboration Between orthodontist, pediatrician, otorinolaringoiatra and other health specialists in the growth phase. This approach is essential to establish an adequate treatment plan. There Resolution of respiratory problems through expansion of the palateof orthodontic competence, and/ or surgical treatments of adenoidectomy/ tonsilctomy or allergies management can also help in the treatment of bruxism».
The importance of adequate information
Then essential that the parents pay attention to the Children’s sleep health in qualitative and quantitative terms. As well as any psychological tensions which can represent a source of stress. «Any case must be treated in itself, normally if the teething is still deciduous it is not intervened – concludes the specialist. – with i permanent teeth Instead the specialist can recommend using a Night bite which is effective to limit dental abrasions and reduce muscle tension. In some cases, if grinding leads to Very severe pain in the jaw, It may be the case to intervene with a bite even when the child is very small ».
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