Bruxism

A 7-year old male, Brad presented to his dentist with toothache in the left lower mandible area. Nothing was found after thorough examination and the dentist could not identify any particular triggers or relieving factors for Brad’s on and off toothache. A course of NSAID was prescribed which did provide temporary relief. Brad usually sleeps alone in his own room but during recent home renovation different sleep arrangement was made. One night when he was co-rooming with his parents, mother could hear “strange” noise coming from Brad’s bed, and it turned out Brad was grinding his teeth during sleep. Brad could not recall his teeth grinding. The family re-presented to the dentist who arranged polysomnography for Brad and his confirmed bruxism was treated accordingly. Parents wondered whether Brad’s bruxism would recur!.