Stop Teeth Grinding With Mouthguards for Kids

Mouthguards for kids can protect teeth from bruxism and trauma. Seeing the dentist for routine checkups can determine if your child has bruxism. Having a mouthguard can help prevent teeth-related issues. Here are the details on how mouthguards for kids can stop teeth grinding.

Detecting teeth grinding

Studies show that about 17% of kids in the United States have bruxism. Most patients are not aware that they have this condition. The main reason is that teeth grinding often happens during nighttime sleep. In kids, bruxism happens because of allergies, mouth irritation, or earaches. It can also be due to dental misalignment and hyperactivity. Here are some of the signs the child has bruxism:

• Loose teeth
• Jaw pain
• Toothaches
• Dental damage
• Dull headaches

Detecting the symptoms can lead to early treatment. Mouthguards for kids can reduce the grinding forces while sleeping. Wearing them merely minimizes dental damage. It can also help treat this condition.

Getting mouthguards for kids

There are generic mouthguards that anyone can get from grocery stores. Boiling them must come first before the child can bite on them. But these dental appliances are not custom-fit. Each one is bulky and ill-fitting. Other grocery store mouthguards for kids are made of rubber, which bolsters teeth grinding.

The dentist can provide mouthguards for kids that fit the child’s mouth. Taking molds of the child’s upper and lower teeth will result in a more comfortable mouthguard. Wearing the oral appliance will not be noticeable. Sleeping will not be a problem for the child at all. It will take two weeks before the child gets the custom mouthguards from the dental lab.

Kids experience teeth grinding more than adults

Teeth grinding can happen during the day, but most of the dental damage happens during bedtime. Kids are vulnerable to bruxism. It often happens in kids below five years of age. Some outgrow this habit without any help. But those with severe bruxism need the dentist’s help. This can prevent permanent dental damage.

Things that can help alleviate teeth grinding

Mouthguards for kids can lower the impact of bruxism. The child can wear it while the dentist works with the parents to treat the root cause of the issue. In some cases, these mouthguards are not necessary. Some dentists do not recommend them because they impair the child’s dental alignment and growth. It is also common for most kids to outgrow their bruxism when they reach their teen years. Here are some ways to stop teeth grinding:

• Massage the child before bed
• Take the child’s electronic devices more than two hours before bed
• See what is bothering the child
• Perform stretching with the child before bedtime
• Bathe the child before bed
• Improve the child’s hydration during daytime hours

The cause of bruxism

Finding out the underlying cause of teeth grinding can stop its symptoms and effects. Internal factors that cause bruxism are conditions like dehydration or sleep disorders. Intestinal parasites may also trigger this condition. Intra-oral factors like overcrowded teeth can also result in teeth grinding. Stress can affect a child’s life as well. Children can develop bruxism because of negative emotions, such as fear.

How a mouthguard helps

The dentist will assess the child’s mouth first. There are children who have bruxism for a while but do not develop dental damage. In severe situations, the dentist will recommend mouthguards for kids if there is a risk of oral infection. These dental appliances may also help if the child is likely to develop permanent dental damage. The dentist can recommend smoothing the worn teeth. Filling deep cavities and regular checkups are necessary to prevent lasting damage.

Bruxism happens when the upper and lower sets of teeth rub against each other with force. Mouthguards for kids can help by covering these sets of teeth. These oral devices cushion the teeth and prevent damage. Since a mouthguard goes on teeth during nighttime sleep, it is also called a night guard. These dental appliances allow the child to sleep soundly. This can improve the child’s mood and performance at school.

Mouthguards for kids can improve your child’s dental health

Your child’s well-being is always a priority. Making sure that your child’s developing teeth are healthy may need the help of mouthguards for kids. Your dentist can provide custom-fit ones that are comfortable to wear. Working with your dentist can help alleviate your child’s bruxism. This can lead to your child’s improved dental health.

Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.

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