Q: My child grinds his teeth when he sleeps. Is this a sign of a nasal problem? Should I see a paediatrician or a dentist?

Answered by: Dr. Yap Song Hong, Consultant Paediatrician, Nilai Medical Centre

Teeth grinding among toddlers and young children is common. In most cases, occurs during sleep at naptime and bedtime. By the age of six, most children will grow out of it. Some tips to help your child stop grinding their teeth include:

• Reduce your child’s stress, especially just before bed
• Massage and stretching exercises to help relax the muscles
• Ensure your child’s diet includes plenty of water

If your child’s teeth grinding persists, pay a visit to your dentist to monitor your child’s teeth.