Pediatric Dentistry that Gets to the Root of Teeth Grinding for Real Relief from Painful, Disruptive Symptoms

Dr. Mona Houshiar is pleased to care for children and children only. She has considerable training and experience in diagnosing, treating, managing, and preventing conditions and symptoms specific to pediatric patients. Notably, bruxism may be to blame if children suffer from excessive wear and tear to their natural teeth and dental work. This condition is characterized by chronic grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaws. We at Mona Dental for Kids in Spring, Texas, work closely with young patients, their parents, and caregivers to pinpoint the source of such damage. We can prevent these and other debilitating or disruptive signs or symptoms with accurate diagnostics.  

Telltale symptoms of bruxism, which tend to be identified during routine dental check-ups, include:

• Chips
• Fractures
• Gum recession
• Heightened tooth sensitivity, especially when drinking or eating sweet, hot, or cold foods and beverages
• Chronic headaches and migraines
• “Noisy” jaw, clicking or popping sounds when opening and closing the mouth
• Jaw stiffness or locking, which makes it difficult to eat comfortably
• Pain that radiates through the face, jaws, ears, neck, shoulders, and back
• Frequent oral sores, cuts, or injuries to delicate tissues inside the mouth

Dr. Mona also works with other providers, including pediatricians and sleep specialists, to get to the bottom of these concerning symptoms. After all, bruxism is rooted in a variety of other conditions. These conditions include untreated anxiety and episodes of stress.

Often, teeth grinding occurs when a child is relaxed during sleep. So, sleep-disordered breathing, such as sleep apnea, may be to blame. Dental issues linked to bruxism include jaw or teeth malocclusion or misalignment. Dr. Mona is adept at restoring or achieving a balanced bite and aligned teeth. She may recommend early myofunctional appliances, behavioral modification to alter destructive functional behaviors and habits, and traditional orthodontic systems. We will not recommend an intervention until your child has been thoroughly evaluated. Depending on your child’s needs, these evaluations may be multi-disciplinary and require the insights and expertise of a care team that includes a pediatric specialist and/or sleep medicine specialist.

We can restore and sustain your child’s beautiful and functional smile, overall well-being, and quality of life with exceptional and prompt diagnostics and care. Call (832) 662-3008 or request an appointment at our Spring, Texas, office from the button on this website.

Mona Houshiar, DDS

Dr. Mona Houshiar is a highly skilled pediatric dentist with over 15 years of experience dedicated to preventing dental issues and promoting lifelong oral health. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from UCLA and completed residencies at the VA West Los Angeles Healthcare Center and the University of Connecticut. As a trusted member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association, Dr. Houshiar stays current on the latest advancements in pediatric dentistry. Her compassionate, evidence-based approach fosters trust and comfort, both in her practice and through her community service for underserved children.

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