Teeth Grinding

Bruxism. That’s what it’s called. It’s the official name for teeth grinding, and Zane does it almost all the time. It absolutely drives me crazy, especially when I am trying to write or when I am driving. Zane’s pediatric dentist said it is quite common to see habitual teeth grinding in kids with special needs. Likely, it provides him with some sort of stimulation (via the sensation or noise) that does not prove irritating to him in any way. To save my nerves (and his teeth), I have offered him the use of a pacifier. This is something I absolutely discouraged with Justin. I did not want Justin to develop a reliance or oral fixation. And he didn’t. But with Zane, the pacifier is a means of making everyone happy. He enjoys munching on the pacifier, and I do not cringe as often at the sound of enamel on enamel. It’s a good compromise. Of course there are times, even with the pacifier, that he prefers to grind his teeth. I guess you can’t win them all.