Six months ago she went to the dentist and her teeth were fine and now they are chipping. What does this mean and how can I fix it?

Thanks, Dena

Dear Dena,

It sounds like your daughter may be grinding her teeth which can cause them to chip and wear down. It is quite common for young children to do this when they are sleeping however most stop on their own and grow out of this when they are an adult. Grinding is usually caused from stress, anxiety, or if the top and bottom teeth don’t fit properly together but there could be other factors involved.

Watch her behavior and see if her appetite is changing, if she becomes moody, or if she is having sleep problems. Changes in her behavior are signs of stress. Did she start kindergarten this last year? Since she is five make sure she is relaxed about 30 minutes before bedtime, have a consistent bedtime routine, and that she gets plenty of sleep. There is not a risk to her baby teeth because they will fall out in a couple of years however if your still concerned discuss this matter with her dentist.

Post courtesy of Dr. Perry, Baton Rouge Dentist.