The Pat Kenny Show Ask The Expert: Dental care
Nov 24, 2025
Dr. Bronagh Keane, a dental surgeon and public-facing 'tooth fairy' expert, shares invaluable insights into dental care. She addresses the damaging effects of teeth grinding, particularly in children, and offers alternatives to mouthguards. Dr. Keane discusses the importance of crowns for cracked teeth and provides cautions against whitening for those under 18. She emphasizes the need for early dental consultations for kids losing baby teeth and explains options for treating receding gums. Tune in for her practical advice!
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How Grinding Damages Teeth
- Teeth grinding and clenching cause a range of dental signs beyond pain, including chipping, loosening and gum recession.
- Dr Bronagh Keane compares this to fences to show how different support structures change damage patterns.
Act Early On Grinding Signs
- Identify symptoms like headaches, neck tension and loose or chipped teeth as signs of grinding and clenching.
- Seek early intervention options such as splints or muscle relaxants to prevent complex treatments later.
Manage Child Grinding Noninvasively
- For children who grind, address anxiety, sleep patterns and reduce screen time as first steps.
- Reduce acidic food and drink frequency and have acids with meals to protect teeth while they outgrow grinding.