Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Baby tooth grinding

Teeth Grinding in Children (Bruxism): Causes and When to Seek Help

It’s quite common for babies and toddlers to grind their teeth at night. Most children naturally stop the habit by the age of 6 or 7, once their first permanent molars erupt. Some children, however, continue grinding through their teenage years.

Tooth grinding in young children is usually not a major concern. It often occurs during teething or as part of normal jaw growth and alignment. Still, it’s important to watch for signs of excessive tooth wear, jaw discomfort, or pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult Dr. Kaufman for a professional examination.

When Tooth Grinding Becomes a Problem

In older children, tooth grinding can cause more serious oral health issues if left untreated. Continuous grinding and clenching at night may:

  • Interfere with normal growth and alignment of permanent teeth

  • Wear down or chip the tooth surface

  • Cause increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks

  • Lead to bite changes and jaw discomfort

  • Contribute to TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder)

  • Trigger earaches or headaches related to jaw tension

Monitoring and Treatment Options

Dr. Kaufman carefully monitors children’s tooth development from their first dental visit using an intraoral camera to identify any signs of unusual wear. Early detection allows intervention before long-term damage occurs.

If severe wear or grinding is observed, a custom-made mouthguard may be recommended for nighttime use. A well-fitted mouthguard protects the teeth from further wear, lessens jaw strain, and helps your child maintain a healthy, comfortable bite.

Book an Appointment

If your child grinds their teeth regularly or complains of jaw or tooth pain, please click here to book an appointment with Dr. Kaufman in Glen Iris. A detailed evaluation will help determine whether treatment or observation is the best approach for your child’s oral health and comfort.

How to protect your teeth while riding your bicycle in Glen Iris?

Protect Your Teeth When Cycling

Cycling is a fantastic sport and an excellent way to commute or stay active. However, falls and accidents are common, and protecting your teeth and face is essential whenever you ride.

For competitive or challenging mountain bike rides, a full-face helmet offers the best protection. But during everyday riding or leisurely cycling trips, a helmet alone may not be enough. In these cases, a custom-made, impact-resistant mouthguard provides reliable protection for your teeth in the event of a Recreational mouth guardfall or crash.

Why Wear a Custom Mouthguard While Cycling

A professionally fitted mouthguard helps absorb impact and reduce the risk of dental injury. Unlike generic store-bought mouthguards, custom-made options are:

  • Comfortable to wear and easy to breathe with

  • Secure and stable during impact

  • Lightweight yet highly protective

  • Designed to fit your teeth precisely for maximum safety

Dr. Kaufman designs and fabricates custom mouthguards that provide superior protection during cycling and other active sports. These mouthguards are tailored specifically for your bite, offering both comfort and optimal impact resistance.

To keep your smile safe on and off the track, please click here to book an appointment with Dr. Kaufman in Glen Iris. Protect your teeth while enjoying your ride.

When to start correcting the position of the teeth?

Early Orthodontic Assessment for Children

Children and parents often visit Dr. Kaufman when the first permanent teeth erupt. The most common concern is that the new teeth appear twisted or crowded. This stage typically begins around age six, and it is recommended that every child see Dr. Kaufman by the age of seven for an early orthodontic evaluation.

The Importance of Monitoring the Transition from Baby Teeth to Permanent Teeth

The transition from baby teeth (primary teeth) to permanent teeth is a critical milestone in a child’s dental development. Careful monitoring during this stage ensures that teeth and jaws develop in proper balance.

Early assessment helps identify issues such as:

  • Missing permanent teeth

  • Crowding or spacing problems

  • Misaligned jaw growth or bite discrepancies

  • Uneven relationship between tooth and jaw size

These developmental discrepancies can affect long-term oral health, occlusion, and facial growth. The good news is that they can be diagnosed early and managed with a personalised treatment plan to guide proper development.

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

An early start provides many advantages, allowing Dr. Kaufman to:

  • Guide the eruption of permanent teeth into their correct position

  • Utilise natural growth of the face and jaws to improve alignment

  • Prevent more severe orthodontic issues in adolescence

  • Reduce or shorten the duration of future orthodontic treatment

Long-Term Goals

Our goal is to help children develop a healthy, confident smile that supports their overall growth and self-esteem. Early evaluation paves the way for easier orthodontic care later in life and leads to lasting, balanced dental health.

Book an early orthodontic consultation with Dr. Kaufman to assess your child’s dental development and create a tailored plan for a great smile and future confidence.

My child has “shark teeth”, what should I do?

Shark Teeth in Children: Why It Happens and What to Do

As parents, we all want our children to grow up with healthy, straight, and beautiful smiles. However, sometimes when permanent teeth begin to erupt, the baby teeth do not fall out as expected. This can create two visible rows of teeth, a condition commonly known as “shark teeth.”

When permanent teeth replace baby teeth naturally, the root of the baby tooth dissolves as the adult tooth erupts underneath. This process loosens the baby tooth, allowing it to fall out easily. However, if the root does not dissolve properly, the baby tooth remains in place, forcing the permanent tooth to erupt behind it or in an incorrect position.

This situation often affects the front lower teeth but can occur in other areas as well and usually requires prompt dental attention.

Why Baby Teeth Sometimes Don’t Fall Out

There are several reasons why a baby tooth might not fall out on time:

  • The permanent tooth has deviated from the correct eruption path

  • The root of the baby tooth has not dissolved fully

  • The baby tooth is fused to the bone or misaligned

  • Genetic or spacing issues affecting tooth development

When the permanent tooth grows into the wrong position, it can sometimes become trapped between other teeth, ma

king the misalignment permanent if untreated.

Treatment for Shark Teeth

In many cases, the best solution is to remove the baby tooth to allow the permanent tooth to slowly move into its correct place. Early intervention helps prevent crowding, misalignment, and later orthodontic complications.

If you notice your child developing “shark teeth,” it’s important not to wait for them to resolve on their own. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kaufman as soon as possible for an evaluation and advice on next steps. Early treatment ensures that your child’s permanent teeth erupt into proper alignment and maintain a healthy, confident smile.

You can book an appointment here. Dr. Kaufman will examine your child’s teeth and explain the best treatment options to ensure their smile develops naturally and beautifully.