Any dentists around?

[racmac]

Took DS4 to dentist today for check up - he told me that he has been grinding his teeth to the point he has reduced them to soft areas. He said that if he continues to do this it will start to get the nerves and be very painful.

I asked what he was going to do and he told me he didnt know - he would ring someone and come back to me,

He has since phoned and said they wont do anything.

Is this right? Are there any options? HE is already complaining about pain on his front tooth and the dentist said thats the reason why

[AMerryScot]

Not a dentist, but I do grind my teeth from time to time. I have a splint (gumshield) that I wear when I am doing this.

I also find that chewing gum is helpful (during the day, obviously).

[displayuntiltwelfthnight]

I grind my teeth and have done for years, my gums started receding due to it
I wear a gum shield at night, from my dentist, to prevent damage to teeth from grinding them because I had even cracked a tooth from grinding!
not sure if age makes a difference though as I am an adult and maybe they don't advocate mouth shields for children?
think it's pretty common for dcs to grind teeth during night
if you're not happy, go back to the dentist and ask for further information on how to prevent further damage
hth

[eeenymeenymineymo]

Hello, i'm a dentist, how old is he?

[racmac]

He is 4

[eeenymeenymineymo]

Hi, sorry for the late reply.

If he's 4 it must be his deciduous or 'baby' teeth that are wearing down. This is quite common in children as they often grind their teeth. Try not to worry about it, as often it doesn't cause any problems before the teeth are lost anyway as the adult ones come through.

Sometimes though the nerve becomes sensitive for a while when eating cold things especially. This usually settles down on its own as teeth have amazing repair mechanisms and can 'insulate' the nerve in response. You could try using a sensitive toothpaste and rub it onto the tooth causing the pain.

Hope this is helpful xx

[alypaly]

the dentist can make him a night-bite out of a soft pliable rubber. I had one when i was younger as grinding my teeth gave me migraines.

[racmac]

Thanks for all your responses - put my mind at reat.

It doesnt seem to cause him any problems at the moment apart from his one front tooth so will keep an eye on situation

[racmac]

oops rest not reat