Attention Parents of Children with ADHD & Teeth Grinding!

📣 Attention Parents of Children with ADHD & Teeth Grinding! 🦷

Are you worried about your child’s teeth-grinding habit? You’re not alone! Many children with ADHD experience this issue, but we have some practical advice to help you manage it.

🤔 Why does it happen? Factors such as stress, age, personality type, and ADHD can contribute to teeth grinding, also known as bruxism.

🔧 What can you do? Try these strategies:
✅ Reduce stress
✅ Prioritise sleep
✅ Avoid chewing gum
✅ Relax the face & jaw
✅ Get a teeth-grinding guard
✅ Stay away from caffeine
✅ Practice jaw exercises

👨‍⚕️ Get Expert Help: Assessing your child’s ADHD and potential medical issues is crucial. At Guide Little Minds ADHD Centre, we offer an Online ADHD Test and in-depth assessments to determine the best treatment for you and your family. Contact Dr John Flett at 031 1000 474 or via support@drjohnflett.com for guidance and support. Learn more: drjohnflett.com, drflett.com.

Remember, consulting a dentist is the best option for managing teeth grinding. Keep smiling! 😊

Teeth Grinding and ADHD: Understanding the Link and Practical Advice

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can be a common issue in children with ADHD. Although this list is not exhaustive, several factors may increase the risk of teeth grinding in these individuals:

1. Stress: Accounting for up to 70% of cases, stress is often related to worrisome situations.

2. Age: Bruxism is quite common in young children and usually resolves by adulthood.

3. Personality type: Hyperactive personalities are at an increased risk, as teeth grinding can be a form of hyperactivity without talking.

4. ADHD: Teeth grinding is fairly common in individuals with ADHD.

5. Medications: Some medications can cause bruxism, although this is uncommon.

6. Family history: Bruxism tends to run in families; if you grind your teeth, there is a high likelihood that someone else in the family may do so as well.

7. Medical conditions: Gastroesophageal reflux and sleep apnoea are often linked to teeth grinding. ADHD may also contribute to sleep apnoea in some cases.

Complications of teeth grinding include damaged teeth, tension-type headaches, and facial or jaw pain. You may have heard of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, which occurs at the base of your ear.

There are several preventive dental treatments and strategies to help manage teeth grinding:

1. Reduce stress: Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as engaging in relaxing activities or seeking professional help.

2. Get more sleep: Prioritize rest and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

3. Avoid chewing gum: This can exacerbate the habit of teeth grinding.

4. Consciously relax your face and jaw: Be aware of tension in these areas and work on releasing it.

5. Obtain a teeth grinding guard from your dentist: This can protect your teeth during sleep.

6. Avoid stimulant medications containing caffeine: These can worsen teeth grinding.

7. Perform jaw exercises: Applying a warm washcloth to your jaw or performing specific exercises can help alleviate tension and discomfort. For example, place your thumb on your chin and open and close your mouth, or place your thumb and forefinger in front of your chin, push your jaw out so your hand moves forward, and open and close your mouth.

The best option for managing teeth grinding is to consult a dentist and follow their advice while keeping the above recommendations in mind.