Last Updated on 7th February 2018
Parents across Worcestershire are being urged to be on the lookout for their children grinding their teeth, as it’s been revealed to be possible sign that they could be being bullied, or else have restricted breathing.
New research, highlighted by Richard Colebourne at Evesham Dental Health Team, has shown that adolescents who suffer from bullying are far more likely to grind their teeth in their sleep, a sign that could help parents identify victimised children sooner.
The research, published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, found that teenagers who were subjected to verbal bullying in school were almost four times as likely to suffer from sleep bruxism (65%) compared to those who were not (17%).
Sleep bruxism is when you grind your teeth in your sleep and over time this can lead to oral health problems, including migraines, sensitive and worn teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, tooth loss, severe oral pain and irreparable damage.
Symptoms of bruxism
Physical symptoms include muscle aches, facial muscle pain, ear ache, tightness and stiffness of the shoulders, limitation of mouth opening and sleep disruption. Oral symptoms can also include inflammation and recession of the gums, excess tooth mobility and tooth surface wear.
If you have any concerns about your child’s teeth or bruxism in general, please contact our friendly dental practice on Broadway Road.
