Tooth grinding , Nerve exposed

[Lori Dunn]

Hi, I don't post much but I read all of the e-mail. My little guy with DS is 6. He is a major tooth grinder. He finally exposed the nerve in one of is front teeth. We had to take him to the ER and have a dentist meet us there. They put on a temporary filling until tomorrow.

He said they will probably put a crown on a few of the teeth because they are all getting close to the nerve. His roots still have a ways to go before he will lose any teeth. They will probably have to sedate him as he has major sensory issues around his head and face.

Is there anything I should ask for to protect his other teeth? Has anyone had this happen. I just want to make sure I am doing the right thing.

He started complaining on Dec. 30th and got the temporary filling yesterday.

Thanks,

Lori


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[Susan Pearson]

Ug....Anna grindes too. I now it isn't good to grind, but yikes, I didn't know you could grind all the way to the root.
Interested in hearing feedback on this issue.
sp

Lori Dunn <***@YAHOO.COM> wrote:
Hi, I don't post much but I read all of the e-mail. My little guy with DS is 6. He is a major tooth grinder. He finally exposed the nerve in one of is front teeth. We had to take him to the ER and have a dentist meet us there. They put on a temporary filling until tomorrow.

He said they will probably put a crown on a few of the teeth because they are all getting close to the nerve. His roots still have a ways to go before he will lose any teeth. They will probably have to sedate him as he has major sensory issues around his head and face.

Is there anything I should ask for to protect his other teeth? Has anyone had this happen. I just want to make sure I am doing the right thing.

He started complaining on Dec. 30th and got the temporary filling yesterday.

Thanks,

Lori


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[John and Kelly Hall]

Dear Lori,

Your son must be quite a grinder if he has actual pulpal (nerve)
exposure due to grinding!

Regardless of the short-term solution (crowns or other restorations),
the long-term plan will probably include an appliance worn at night
time to protect the teeth. These are called occlusal guards, night
guards, bite splints, etc.

Hopefully your 6 y/o will be compliant enough to wear something in his
mouth at night time.

Good luck to you and him.

John Hall, DDS MS, dad to Hank, 2 y/o DS and 4 other great kids.

Post by Lori Dunn
Hi, I don't post much but I read all of the e-mail. My little guy
with DS is 6. He is a major tooth grinder. He finally exposed the
nerve in one of is front teeth. We had to take him to the ER and have
a dentist meet us there. They put on a temporary filling until
tomorrow.
He said they will probably put a crown on a few of the teeth because
they are all getting close to the nerve. His roots still have a ways
to go before he will lose any teeth. They will probably have to
sedate him as he has major sensory issues around his head and face.
Is there anything I should ask for to protect his other teeth? Has
anyone had this happen. I just want to make sure I am doing the right
thing.
He started complaining on Dec. 30th and got the temporary filling
yesterday.
Thanks,
Lori
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[Cari Shepard]

In a message dated 1/2/2006 2:29:43 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
***@CHARTER.NET writes:

Regardless of the short-term solution (crowns or other restorations),
the long-term plan will probably include an appliance worn at night
time to protect the teeth. These are called occlusal guards, night
guards, bite splints, etc.




Okay, appliance worn at night -- great idea if that's when the grinding is
occurring. In our case, my 12 year old grinds when awake more than when
asleep. He has his teeth ground pretty much down to the stubs (so to speak, no
nerves exposed as of yet). Any ideas for day-time grinding?

Cari

[Lori Dunn]

Ryan grinds day and night too. It doesn't matter what he is doing, he is grinding. Now that his nerve has been exposed he is biting his finger. The dentist said that is not good either. He said that the wouldn't use a night gaurd until he had permanent teeth, and Ryan probably will fight wearing one. I hope their are other solutions.

Lori

Cari Shepard <***@AOL.COM> wrote:

In a message dated 1/2/2006 2:29:43 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
***@CHARTER.NET writes:

Regardless of the short-term solution (crowns or other restorations),
the long-term plan will probably include an appliance worn at night
time to protect the teeth. These are called occlusal guards, night
guards, bite splints, etc.




Okay, appliance worn at night -- great idea if that's when the grinding is
occurring. In our case, my 12 year old grinds when awake more than when
asleep. He has his teeth ground pretty much down to the stubs (so to speak, no
nerves exposed as of yet). Any ideas for day-time grinding?

Cari





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[Lori Dunn]

Thank you John for your reply. We have 5 kids too. Ryan is our 2nd child. He grinds day and night. I am hoping that after this painful experience maybe he will stop. The dentist who saw us at the ER said he had a few other teeth that looked like they were close to reaching the nerve. It is one of his four front teeth that had the hole in it with a nerve exposed. The dentist put something on it that hopefully will stay until tomorrow. I forget what it is. He said there wasn't much tooth for it to grab on too. Ryan has not really been eating since yesterday though. I think he is afraid to. At first, I thought they were thinking they could maybe pull the tooth. But they said the tooth still had alot of root left and that a couple of other teeth will probably get crowns too.

On a positive note, the grinding seems to keep him from getting cavities. Ryan hates having his teeth brushed, and he is not good at brushing himself.

We do tell Ryan to quit grinding whenever we hear him. He does it without thinking though. It is a habit. He does it more when he is stressed.

Lori

John and Kelly Hall <***@CHARTER.NET> wrote:
Dear Lori,

Your son must be quite a grinder if he has actual pulpal (nerve)
exposure due to grinding!

Regardless of the short-term solution (crowns or other restorations),
the long-term plan will probably include an appliance worn at night
time to protect the teeth. These are called occlusal guards, night
guards, bite splints, etc.

Hopefully your 6 y/o will be compliant enough to wear something in his
mouth at night time.

Good luck to you and him.

John Hall, DDS MS, dad to Hank, 2 y/o DS and 4 other great kids.

Post by Susan Pearson
Hi, I don't post much but I read all of the e-mail. My little guy
with DS is 6. He is a major tooth grinder. He finally exposed the
nerve in one of is front teeth. We had to take him to the ER and have
a dentist meet us there. They put on a temporary filling until
tomorrow.
He said they will probably put a crown on a few of the teeth because
they are all getting close to the nerve. His roots still have a ways
to go before he will lose any teeth. They will probably have to
sedate him as he has major sensory issues around his head and face.
Is there anything I should ask for to protect his other teeth? Has
anyone had this happen. I just want to make sure I am doing the right
thing.
He started complaining on Dec. 30th and got the temporary filling
yesterday.
Thanks,
Lori
---------------------------------
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[Sandy Dodd]

Many of my friends' kids (with DS) grind their teeth. We have had many
discussions as to why and how to stop it.

Personally, I think there is more involved with our kids with DS when it
comes to grinding. Whether or not it is stress or a vitamin deficiency, I
don't know. But I would make sure that my child had all the necessary
supplements (see article below - full site noted, text added in part) - the
damage bruxism does is too significant to not act aggressively.

Also, it has been recommended that children use a T-tube (red or
yellow "chewy" tube used by speech therapists) to provide an appropriate
alternative when they are seeking input in their mouths. Kids who also
have problems with allowing tooth brushes in their mouths would benefit
from some significant oral motor exercises and input - it's vital.

Good luck!
Sandy



http://www.health911.com/remedies/rem_teethg.htm

in part:
Grinding your teeth at night can cause a number of problems, such as
seriously wearing down your teeth, loosening the teeth, gum reduction, jaw
joint problems, and may be a cause of headaches during the day. You may not
realize you are grinding your teeth unless somebody sleeping with you
notices it. Otherwise you may notice symptoms to alert you to the problem,
such as headaches, aching jaw muscles, loose teeth or gum problems.

Studies have shown that one of the causes is a deficiency in pantothenic
acid (one of the B-vitamins) and calcium. Pantothenic acid, an anti-stress
vitamin, reduces the production of certain hormones from the adrenal
glands. A lack of pantothenic acid is a factor in the control of motor
activity; bruxism is a sign that motor activity is not under control. A
calcium deficiency causes muscle cramps or involuntary movement of muscles
in the mouth resulting in grinding of the teeth. Chew a few calcium or bone
meal tablets before bedtime. This remedy seems to reduce contractions of
the jaw muscles. Another idea is to crush the tablets and combine them with
wheat germ oil and mix with food or drink to make it palatable.

A magnesium deficiency may be another cause. A deficiency can cause
spasming, and seems to affect people at night. Leg cramps and teeth
grinding are just two ways a magnesium deficiency manifests itself at
night. See our remedy below.

[John and Kelly Hall]

I don't think there is a good solution to the problem of daytime tooth
grinding for most kids with DS.

Sandy had it right that if there is something else that can give them
some oral distraction, you should use it.

If a person was compliant with wearing an oral device during the day,
they could do so. Otherwise, I don't know if there is a good answer.

Stress has been shown to play a role in bruxism (grinding). I've never
heard of a vitamin deficiency playing a role.

I've read case reports of botulism toxin (Botox) injections used to
paralyze the chewing muscles in cases of severe bruxism, however, there
would be some negative side effects such as a possible inability to
efficiently masticate.

If and when my child has this problem, I would take aggressive action
to treat. This is because it is generally easier to keep teeth in DS
patients rather than to replace them. I have several DS patients who
are lacking their front teeth and there is no good way to replace them.

John Hall, DDS, MS
Diplomate, American Board of Periodontics
Dad to 5 kids including Henry (2yo) w/DS

Post by Sandy Dodd
Many of my friends' kids (with DS) grind their teeth. We have had many
discussions as to why and how to stop it.
Personally, I think there is more involved with our kids with DS when
it
comes to grinding. Whether or not it is stress or a vitamin
deficiency, I
don't know. But I would make sure that my child had all the necessary
supplements (see article below - full site noted, text added in part)
- the
damage bruxism does is too significant to not act aggressively.
Also, it has been recommended that children use a T-tube (red or
yellow "chewy" tube used by speech therapists) to provide an
appropriate
alternative when they are seeking input in their mouths. Kids who also
have problems with allowing tooth brushes in their mouths would benefit
from some significant oral motor exercises and input - it's vital.
Good luck!
Sandy
http://www.health911.com/remedies/rem_teethg.htm
Grinding your teeth at night can cause a number of problems, such as
seriously wearing down your teeth, loosening the teeth, gum reduction,
jaw
joint problems, and may be a cause of headaches during the day. You
may not
realize you are grinding your teeth unless somebody sleeping with you
notices it. Otherwise you may notice symptoms to alert you to the
problem,
such as headaches, aching jaw muscles, loose teeth or gum problems.
Studies have shown that one of the causes is a deficiency in
pantothenic
acid (one of the B-vitamins) and calcium. Pantothenic acid, an
anti-stress
vitamin, reduces the production of certain hormones from the adrenal
glands. A lack of pantothenic acid is a factor in the control of motor
activity; bruxism is a sign that motor activity is not under control. A
calcium deficiency causes muscle cramps or involuntary movement of
muscles
in the mouth resulting in grinding of the teeth. Chew a few calcium or
bone
meal tablets before bedtime. This remedy seems to reduce contractions
of
the jaw muscles. Another idea is to crush the tablets and combine them
with
wheat germ oil and mix with food or drink to make it palatable.
A magnesium deficiency may be another cause. A deficiency can cause
spasming, and seems to affect people at night. Leg cramps and teeth
grinding are just two ways a magnesium deficiency manifests itself at
night. See our remedy below.

[Lori Dunn]

John,

If you don't mind me asking, what would you do. We have an appt. Friday morning and they are either going to pull his tooth or put a crown on it. It is a baby tooth. It is one of his front four teeth on the left. It still has long roots. The dentist from the ER said he would put a crown on it. Then in the office we saw a different dentist, and he wanted to pull it. They didn't have anyone there to sedate Ryan so I wouldn't let them do it. Ryan has had several bad experiences being papoosed (sp?). He also would not understand what they were doing. He has sensory issues around his head and doesn't even like his teeth brushed.

What is your opinion on what we should do. We are taking him to Children's Hospital Dental Clinic. He can be see free there because he is covered by the Grotto Foundation. We have private dental insurance for him so we can take him elsewhere. It is just that one sedation would probably eat up his benefits. But we will take him to a private practice if we need too.

This whole thing has been very frustrating and painful for Ryan. Any advice would be appreciated, as Ryan as a few other teeth close to the point of reaching the nerve. The X-ray in the ER showed he had permanent front teeth that should eventually come in.

What do you mean when you say you would treat it aggressively? Is there something we could do.

Thank you for you help.

Lori Dunn

John and Kelly Hall <***@CHARTER.NET> wrote:
I don't think there is a good solution to the problem of daytime tooth
grinding for most kids with DS.

Sandy had it right that if there is something else that can give them
some oral distraction, you should use it.

If a person was compliant with wearing an oral device during the day,
they could do so. Otherwise, I don't know if there is a good answer.

Stress has been shown to play a role in bruxism (grinding). I've never
heard of a vitamin deficiency playing a role.

I've read case reports of botulism toxin (Botox) injections used to
paralyze the chewing muscles in cases of severe bruxism, however, there
would be some negative side effects such as a possible inability to
efficiently masticate.

If and when my child has this problem, I would take aggressive action
to treat. This is because it is generally easier to keep teeth in DS
patients rather than to replace them. I have several DS patients who
are lacking their front teeth and there is no good way to replace them.

John Hall, DDS, MS
Diplomate, American Board of Periodontics
Dad to 5 kids including Henry (2yo) w/DS

Many of my friends' kids (with DS) grind their teeth. We have had many
discussions as to why and how to stop it.
Personally, I think there is more involved with our kids with DS when
it
comes to grinding. Whether or not it is stress or a vitamin
deficiency, I
don't know. But I would make sure that my child had all the necessary
supplements (see article below - full site noted, text added in part)
- the
damage bruxism does is too significant to not act aggressively.
Also, it has been recommended that children use a T-tube (red or
yellow "chewy" tube used by speech therapists) to provide an
appropriate
alternative when they are seeking input in their mouths. Kids who also
have problems with allowing tooth brushes in their mouths would benefit
from some significant oral motor exercises and input - it's vital.
Good luck!
Sandy
http://www.health911.com/remedies/rem_teethg.htm
Grinding your teeth at night can cause a number of problems, such as
seriously wearing down your teeth, loosening the teeth, gum reduction,
jaw
joint problems, and may be a cause of headaches during the day. You
may not
realize you are grinding your teeth unless somebody sleeping with you
notices it. Otherwise you may notice symptoms to alert you to the
problem,
such as headaches, aching jaw muscles, loose teeth or gum problems.
Studies have shown that one of the causes is a deficiency in
pantothenic
acid (one of the B-vitamins) and calcium. Pantothenic acid, an
anti-stress
vitamin, reduces the production of certain hormones from the adrenal
glands. A lack of pantothenic acid is a factor in the control of motor
activity; bruxism is a sign that motor activity is not under control. A
calcium deficiency causes muscle cramps or involuntary movement of
muscles
in the mouth resulting in grinding of the teeth. Chew a few calcium or
bone
meal tablets before bedtime. This remedy seems to reduce contractions
of
the jaw muscles. Another idea is to crush the tablets and combine them
with
wheat germ oil and mix with food or drink to make it palatable.
A magnesium deficiency may be another cause. A deficiency can cause
spasming, and seems to affect people at night. Leg cramps and teeth
grinding are just two ways a magnesium deficiency manifests itself at
night. See our remedy below.

---------------------------------
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Ring in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events, holidays, whatever.