Patient's question:
I am 32 years old this year, and I have a 3-year-old cute son. I work in a state-owned enterprise. There is usually nothing much to do, and I always give my son some height-increasing medicine. However, recently my son has been having headaches and fever. Sometimes, even after I manage to get him to sleep, he still grinds his teeth at night. My husband often blames me for this. My child is 3 years old this year, and recently he has been having headaches and fever. Sometimes, even after I manage to calm him down and get him to sleep, he still grinds his teeth at night. What could be the reason for this?Doctor's answer:
Children grinding their teeth may be caused by various factors, such as: the toxins produced by intestinal parasites like roundworms affecting the intestines, which can slow down intestinal movement, leading to indigestion, abdominal pain, and restless deep sleep. If the toxins affect the nerves, causing them to become overstimulated, it can result in bruxism. During dinner or conversation, it may cause jaw joint and local muscle pain, and the jaw joint may make noises when opening the mouth. This can create mental stress for the child and affect their quality of life. Bruxism can also harm the teeth themselves. Due to damage to the enamel, it can lead to dentin hypersensitivity, causing toothache when exposed to cold, heat, acid, or spicy foods. Prevention and Treatment: For mild cases, no intervention may be necessary, but rest should be paid attention to. Avoid excessive excitement during the day. Before bed, relax mentally and avoid watching stimulating TV shows. Have a thorough check-up for intestinal parasites and deworm under the guidance of a doctor. For persistent cases, a bite guard should be made and worn before bed. This can prevent direct erosion of the teeth. Not only can it help stop nighttime grinding, but it can also lead to better rest, which is beneficial for exercise and overall health.