Stress And Teething In Children

Stress and tooth decay in children have a connection that is undeniable today. Although stressful situations are not the only causes of this disorder, more and more specialists in the field say that childhood overexertion has consequences for oral hygiene.

Stress is not just a problem for adults. Moreover, it is not expressed exclusively in the physical sphere. There are specialists who themselves believe that tooth decay should be classified as a psychological problem when it is the case.

As we have said, stress is not the only cause of tooth decay in children, but we cannot underestimate it either. Therefore, in the following section, we will see what the situation entails, how you can detect it, and what to do if your child cuts teeth due to anxiety and nervousness.

Stress is not the only cause of tooth decay in children

Defining tooth decay in children as stages of stress and anxiety would be insufficient. This is because we know that the causes of this disorder vary and there are three main types:

• Oral: The origin of the denture is present in the teeth themselves. This has been the classic etiopathogenesis that dentists have always pointed out. When a child suffers from incorrect bite, or if their set of teeth is not in the position they should be in, they are more likely to cut their teeth at night. A specific approach is not always necessary for this reason.
• Sleep-dependent: Tooth decay is a sleep phenomenon. Children cut the surfaces of their teeth against each other while sleeping, so it is logical to think that a change in their natrim rhythm may be the cause of the problem.

• Psychological: Here we find stress. A child who is exposed to demands that are not in line with their age, or who are going through periods of existential crisis (moving, divorce with their parents, school change) is able to develop the dentition or increase the dentition that they already had before . The action seems to be a form of reaction to tension – another physical symptom on top of other more classic symptoms of stress, such as palpitations or shortness of breath.

Research into the relationship between stress and teething in children

The link between stress and teething in children is not new in scientific research. Studies have long shown that anxiety and nervousness play a predominant role in the disorder.

We have already made it clear that this is not the only cause, but it cannot be overlooked. Especially if the child is in a situation that justifies the possibility of being stressed.

As early as the 1920s, experts noted that teething could be a neurotic habit, that is, a repetitive way of acting stems from a neurosis. Therefore, the situation was classified in psychology.

For mental health science, it is no news that the mouth is a way to discharge emotions. The concerns of adults and children find a way to express themselves in this physical space.

It is so much that more research on the same subject has established that there is a direct and proportional relationship between the degree of dentition and the intensity of stress. Children who are more stressed and have a busy lifestyle cut their teeth more than others.

What does all this mean? That we can not look at a child with a toothache as a person with an oral disease that has nothing to do with other areas of their lives. Children are whole people who must be judged on the basis of their biological, social and psychological realities.

How do I know if my child is cutting teeth?

The obvious signs of tooth decay in children, whether caused by stress or oral causes, are the same. The first sign is the sound parents hear at night. The habit is most common between 6-10 years. This coincides with tooth replacement, which also explains the higher incidence at this point in life.

At the same time, some signs are added when the phenomenon persists for several months. Above all, there is pain in the areas around the mouth, such as the jaw and ears.

The dentist will recognize the existence of the denture by observing wear on the tooth surfaces. This usually happens when parents take their child to the dentist because they hear excessive teething.

It is also possible for parents to seek consultation with another specialist, e.g. an ear doctor, due to otalgia (earache). Or even at a pediatrician, after noticing constant headaches.

Possible treatments for teething in children caused by stress

If the origin of the child’s toothache is assessed to be stress and not another cause, an emotional approach should be planned. In this case, consulting a psychologist can be a way to treat the situation with appropriate professional support.

In any case, there are habits that are able to reduce stress at home. Among them we can mention the following:

• Reduce activities before bedtime.
• Turn to doing relaxing activities at bedtime, e.g. to read a story.
• Do not allow screens in the bed.
• Make room to talk to the child about what is going on or how they are doing. Allow them to express themselves, tell about their problems and relieve themselves.

It is necessary to consult a dentist

Although it may seem that tooth decay in children is something to be expected, it is advisable to make the corresponding consultations with a dentist. In addition to the recommended check by age, it is a good idea to ask for a time if you notice that the child is cutting teeth.

As parents, it is also important to be aware of signs that may indicate stress. These will not always be obvious symptoms, nor will there be a noticeable expression. When in doubt, it is best to talk to your children.