What to Do About Children Grinding Their Teeth?

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common issue among children, especially during sleep. While it may seem harmless at first, chronic grinding can lead to dental problems, jaw pain, headaches, and disrupted sleep. If you’ve noticed your child grinding their teeth, you’re not alone—and there are ways to address it effectively.

What Causes Teeth Grinding in Children?

Understanding the root causes can help you take appropriate action. Common reasons include:

Stress or anxiety: Like adults, children may respond to emotional stress by grinding their teeth.
Misaligned teeth: Poor alignment can trigger grinding as the jaw tries to find a more comfortable position.
Pain relief: Sometimes, children grind their teeth to relieve pain, such as from teething or earaches.
Sleep disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea can be linked to bruxism.
Hyperactivity or certain medications: Some children who are very active or on certain medications may grind more frequently.

Signs Your Child May Be Grinding Their Teeth

Because grinding often happens during sleep, it can be hard to notice. Look for these signs:

A grinding or clicking sound at night
Complaints of jaw or face pain
Worn-down teeth or chipped enamel
Headaches in the morning
Trouble sleeping or frequent waking

What You Can Do About It

If you suspect your child is grinding their teeth, here are steps you can take:

1. Talk to a Dentist

Start by scheduling a dental appointment at Teeth Care Centre the best dental clinic for children in Ahmedabad. Dr. Pankti Patel the best dentist in Ahmedabad will examine your child’s teeth for signs of wear and recommend treatment options. In some cases, a custom night guard may be prescribed to protect the teeth during sleep.

2. Reduce Stress and Anxiety

If stress is a likely cause, try introducing calming bedtime routines. This could include reading together, gentle music, warm baths, or relaxation techniques like deep breathing. Consider talking to a child therapist if anxiety seems to be a larger concern.

3. Ensure a Healthy Sleep Routine

Inconsistent or poor-quality sleep can contribute to bruxism. Establish a consistent bedtime and limit screen time before sleep. A calm, dark room helps create an environment conducive to restful sleep.

4. Address Pain or Discomfort

If your child is teething or has an ear infection, talk to your pediatrician about safe pain relief. Reducing physical discomfort may also reduce grinding.

5. Monitor and Follow Up

Track your child’s symptoms and follow up with healthcare professionals. In many cases, children outgrow bruxism, but it’s important to monitor for any long-term effects on their teeth and jaw.

When to Worry

While occasional grinding isn’t usually a cause for concern, you should seek professional advice if:

Your child is in regular pain
Teeth are noticeably worn down or damaged
Sleep quality is suffering
Grinding continues beyond age 6 or 7

Bruxism is fairly common in children and often temporary. However, it’s always worth paying attention to. Early intervention can prevent discomfort and long-term dental issues. With the right support and care, most children outgrow teeth grinding without serious consequences.

How Dental Stem Cell Banking Works

Imagine losing a baby tooth or getting a wisdom tooth removed—and instead of discarding it, preserving it could one day save your life. Welcome to the revolutionary world of dental stem cell banking, a cutting-edge advancement in regenerative medicine.

What Are Dental Stem Cells?

Dental stem cells are a type of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) found in the soft tissue (pulp) inside teeth. These cells are similar to the stem cells found in bone marrow and have the remarkable ability to differentiate into a variety of cell types including:

Bone
Cartilage
Muscle
Neural (nerve)
Fat

This versatility makes them promising candidates for treating a wide range of conditions, from spinal cord injuries to heart disease and even diabetes.

Why Dental Stem Cells?

Stem cell therapy is rapidly advancing, and having access to your own stem cells—especially young and healthy ones—could open the door to personalized medicine in the future. Here’s why dental stem cells are particularly valuable:

Non-invasive collection: Extracting stem cells from teeth is less invasive than bone marrow extraction.
Easily accessible: Lost baby teeth, extracted wisdom teeth, or orthodontic extractions are common sources.
High regenerative potential: Especially in younger teeth, the pulp is rich in viable stem cells.

The Dental Stem Cell Banking Process

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how dental stem cell banking typically works:

1. Tooth Collection

A healthy tooth is extracted—this could be a baby tooth that is naturally falling out, a wisdom tooth removal or a planned extraction by a dentist.

2. Immediate Preservation

The tooth must be placed into a special transport medium provided by the stem cell bank. This keeps the cells viable during transport to the laboratory. Time is critical; the tooth should reach the lab within 24–48 hours.

3. Isolation and Processing

At the lab, dental technicians:

Extract the pulp from the tooth
Isolate the stem cells under sterile conditions
Test the cells for viability and contamination

4. Cryopreservation

Once processed, the viable stem cells are cryopreserved—frozen at extremely low temperatures (usually -196°C in liquid nitrogen). In this state, they can be stored for decades without degrading.

5. Storage and Access

The stem cells are securely stored in the stem cell bank. If needed for future treatment, they can be thawed and used in various regenerative therapies.

Current and Future Applications:

Though many applications are still in clinical trial phases, stem cell therapy is already being explored for:

Regenerating dental tissues (gums, jawbone)
Treating autoimmune diseases
Repairing spinal cord injuries
Heart tissue regeneration
Managing neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s
With research accelerating, dental stem cells may one day be instrumental in organ regeneration, diabetes management, or stroke recovery.

Who Should Consider It?

Dental stem cell banking is especially recommended for:

Children shedding baby teeth (younger cells = higher regenerative capacity)
Young adults undergoing wisdom tooth extraction
Families with a history of genetic or degenerative diseases

At Teeth Care Centre, the best dental hospital in Ahmedabad, Dr. Pankti Patel, the chief dentist of Teeth Care Centre Dental Hospital, guides you in the best ways possible about dental stem cell banking. We at Teeth Care Centre have established a junction with a renowned stem cell bank so that we can facilitate all our patients with the extraction of stem cells from the dental pulp of milk teeth and/or from the pulp of wisdom teeth. If you have missed a chance to preserve cells during your birth, then tooth stem cell banking is the alternative for you.

Dental stem cell banking represents a frontier in healthcare that has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach oral health and beyond. By harnessing the power of our own cells, we can unlock a new era of personalized medicine and regenerative therapies. As research in this field progresses, dental stem cell banking may become a cornerstone in the future of healthcare, offering individuals a proactive approach to safeguarding their well-being.

Do Root Canal Treatments Hurt? Here’s the Unfiltered Truth

Let’s be honest — when most people hear the words “root canal,” their first reaction is fear. The idea of the procedure has been surrounded by myths, horror stories, and an out-dated reputation for pain. But how painful is a root canal treatment, really? Is it the dental nightmare it’s made out to be, or have we been misled?

Here’s the unfiltered truth.

What Is a Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to treat infection or damage within the soft center (the pulp) of a tooth. This pulp contains nerves and blood vessels — and when it becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause severe tooth pain.

During the procedure at Teeth Care Centre the best Root Canal Specialist in Ahmedabad removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and then seals it to prevent future problems. It’s a routine, highly successful procedure designed to relieve pain — not cause it.

So… Does It Actually Hurt?

Short answer: No — not anymore.

With today’s advanced dental technology and effective anaesthesia, root canal treatments are generally no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. The idea that root canals are extremely painful is largely based on out-dated techniques and exaggerated stories.

In reality, most patients say the root canal treatment itself is virtually painless. The discomfort they feel is often due to the infection before the treatment, not the procedure.

What Should You Expect During the Procedure?

Before the treatment, a local anaesthetic is used to completely numb the area. You shouldn’t feel any sharp pain, just a slight pressure or vibration.

Dr. Pankti Patel the best dentist in Ahmedabad will carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp and clean the root canals.

After cleaning, the area is filled and sealed to prevent reinfection.

Sometimes, a follow-up appointment is needed to place a crown for extra protection.

Most procedures take about 60–90 minutes, and many people return to normal activities the same day.

What About After the Treatment?

It’s normal to feel some mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days, especially when chewing. This post-treatment discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.

Pain that lingers longer than a few days or worsens may signal a complication — in which case, you should contact your dentist.

Why Do Root Canals Have Such a Bad Reputation?

It’s mostly a mix of old technology, fear of the unknown and word-of-mouth horror stories. Decades ago, dental tools and anaesthesia weren’t as effective as they are today, so procedures like root canals could be uncomfortable.

But modern dentistry has come a long way. Today, root canal treatment is safe, efficient, and relatively pain-free — and millions of people have had it done without issue.

The Real Pain? Avoiding Treatment

Here’s the real danger: avoiding treatment because you’re scared. An untreated tooth infection won’t just go away — it can spread to other areas of the body, cause abscesses, bone loss, and in rare cases, become life-threatening.

So if your dentist recommends a root canal, know this: they’re trying to save your tooth and relieve your pain — not cause it.

The Bottom Line

Root canal treatments don’t hurt — they help.

The fear surrounding them is largely out-dated and overblown. In fact, most people who’ve had a root canal are surprised at how easy and painless the process actually is.

If you’re nervous, talk to your dentist. They can walk you through the steps, explain what to expect, and even offer sedation options if needed.

Your smile — and your comfort — are worth it.

Why Teeth Care Centre?

At Teeth Care Centre in Ahmedabad, patient satisfaction is our top priority. Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art dental technology, including Dentsply Endomotor for precise root canal treatments. We also utilize a painless injection system and laser disinfection to ensure optimal results. Our certified team of dental professionals is committed to delivering a comfortable experience with minimal pain during and after the procedure.