Bruxism, or grinding teeth, is a topic on which Dr. David Snodgrass DDS receives many inquiries. Most parents notice bruxism while their kids are sleeping, reports Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, because of the characteristic noise of grinding teeth. When parents hear their child grinding his or her teeth at night, says Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, some worry because it seems more like an adult type of problem. However, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS assures parents that treatment is usually unnecessary in most cases of pediatric bruxism.

Excessive cases of pediatric bruxism can lead to attrition however, notes Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, which is the wear and visible shortening of your child’s teeth. If the bruxism is advanced enough to cause discernible wear to your child’s teeth, says Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, then the professionals at Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates may prescribe a mouth guard for wearing at night. Dr. David Snodgrass DDS explains that there are two types of theories used to explain pediatric bruxism. One explanation is psychological, says Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, and the other is physiological.

On a psychological level, points out Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, children are susceptible to many of the same stressors as adults. But unlike adults, notes Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, children are not equipped with the experience necessary to deal with stress. Dr. David Snodgrass DDS sometimes attributes pediatric bruxism to stress, either from recent life changes, a new school or home environment, divorce, or other life-altering event. When kids have too much to think about, says Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, they may unconsciously grind out that stress on their teeth as they sleep.

The physiological factor, on the other hand, says Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, has to do with pressure in your child’s inner ear. Pressure buildup can be caused by environmental factors, and Dr. David Snodgrass DDS notes that they are usually transitory and may cause temporary bruxism. For example, if traveling with your child to high altitudes or on an airplane, says Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, changes in atmospheric pressure can be uncomfortable. Dr. David Snodgrass DDS points out that chewing or similarly moving the jaw can often relieve such changes. Hence, children will sometimes grind their teeth to relieve the inner ear pressure.

For more information about the pediatric dental services offered by Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates, visit them online at http://snodgrassking.com.

About Dr. David Snodgrass DDS

Since 1987, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS has practiced dentistry in the greater Nashville area.  A graduate of the University of Tennessee, he earned his Doctorate of Dental Science in 1984.  In 1986 Dr. David Snodgrass DDS received his pediatric dentistry certificate from Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.  In addition to his practice, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS currently serves at Vanderbilt University in the capacity of a part-time professor of pediatric dentistry.

Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, along with co-founder Dr. John T. King, established Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates.  Dr. David Snodgrass DDS wanted to establish a dental practice that parents could trust and where children would feel safe and welcomed.  Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates offers a kid-friendly, carnival-like environment with a focus on pediatric dentistry excellence.  Dr. David Snodgrass DDS’ dream has grown from one to multiple offices serving the greater Nashville area, including Spring Hill, Murfreesboro, Hermitage and Franklin/Brentwood.

Dr. David Snodgrass DDS’ expertise can also be found in numerous publications.  The author of articles concerning growth and development, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS has appeared in several orthodontic and pediatric dental journals. Dr. David Snodgrass DDS holds memberships in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Orthodontic Society, the International Association of Orthodontics and the Tennessee Dental Association.  Dr. David Snodgrass DDS has numerous awards and accolades including the Achievement, Fellowship and Diplomat Awards from the American Orthodontic Society and the International Association of Orthodontics.  Through orthodontic study organizations, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS is a recognized lecturer and mentor in the Southeastern United States.

Outside of his practice, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS believes it important to use his talents and gifts in the service of humanity.  Since 2007, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS has taken service-oriented trips to Haiti.  Following his initial trip, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS would journey to perform the same work in the Dominican Republic.  After working in the Dominican, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS was flown back into Haiti.  In 2010 on his return trip to the area, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS worked in the dental clinic of Danita’s Children Hope for Haiti Center.  The Hope for Haiti Center dental clinic was fully equipped by Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates.  In that most recent trip, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS witnessed over 300 Haitians receive cleanings, fillings, sealants, and extractions, stainless steel crowns, as well as having routine procedures performed.  In November of 2010, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS and Dr. King led a team of eleven team members from their dental practice back to Haiti and the Dominican Republic.  A brief stop over in Sousa allowed the team to treat over 200 patients, free of charge.

Most recently a group of 15 Haitian orphans visited the United States and middle Tennessee to record a music project.  Those orphans stopped by Dr. David Snodgrass DDS’ offices of Snodgrass-King and were treated for any and all types of dental procedures.

From his belief in a “kid-friendly” environment to his pursuit of pediatric dental expertise, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS believes excellence in pediatric dental care is essential.  And with that belief in excellence Dr. David Snodgrass DDS has a heart to serve and give that same excellence to those who may never have the opportunity to receive such dental care.

Dr. David Snodgrass DDS and his wife Melody reside with their three children in Brentwood, Tennessee.

For more information about Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates go to http://snodgrassking.com/ or call them at 615-771-1111.