Dear Doctor, My Daughter Will Become 3 Yrs Old Next

Posted on Sun, 15 Dec 2019

Question: Dear Doctor,
My daughter will become 3 yrs old next month. For past few days we have noticed that she is grinding/rattling (daant kitkitana) her teeth while sleeping or even when she is awake. Also, she is not eating properly.
Please suggest what could be the reason for this teeth rattling? Could this be because of worms? Please suggest what can we do in this scenario. Thanks.

Regards,
Ankur XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not a cause for concern

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for using the Ask a Doctor service.

I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. The grinding of teeth is called bruxism and is not a cause for concerns. It is sometimes wrongly attributed to worm infestation but that is not the case and you need not worry. Nothing needs to be done about it.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (12 minutes later)

Hi Doctor,
Thanks for your reply.
But, we have noticed a reduction in her appetite as well along with teeth grinding.
Not sure if these 2 are related. Can these be related? If yes, do we need to do something about reduced appetite? Please suggest.

Regards,
Ankur XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possibly unrelated

Detailed Answer:
I do not think that the apparent reduction in appetite has any connection with the bruxism. You need not do anything about it unless the child seems lethargic.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (28 hours later)

Hi Doctor,
Thanks for your reply.

She is having cough and blocked nose since yesterday. We have started giving her Montair LC kid 5 ml/day since when we noticed this condition.

What shall we give her apart from Montair LC, please suggest. We have following medicines available at home in case any of these can be used:

- Ambrolite S
- Maxtra
- Ventorlin

Also, please suggest can we give her Banana, Orange and Curd in this condition or shall we avoid these? Any other dietary precautions to be taken?

Regards,
Ankur XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Steam inhalation can help

Detailed Answer:
Montek LC is a good medication and should suffice. You need to give steam inhalation to your child. It helps in reducing the congestion and thereby the cough. Just sit with the child on your lap and place the source of steam before you. The water vapor will be in the air and automatically the child will breathe it in. Water vapor will reach deep inside and would help in diluting the cough and thus would provide relief.

If your child is otherwise active and playful, I would not be concerned. If not, it would be a good idea to visit a doctor and to get the child evaluated.

Banana, orange and curd, all can be given. No dietary restrictions. Cold temperature to be avoided.

Regards

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad