Signs Your Child Might Need A Night Guard

It can be alarming for any parent to realize that their child grinds their teeth or feels discomfort in the jaw. Night guards for kids are a useful appliance that guarantees the safety of their teeth and can alleviate possible discomfort. Teeth grinding or bruxism and jaw clenching can happen to the majority of children any time of the day and at night while asleep. These behaviors can cause harm to the teeth, and jaw, and pain if not addressed quickly. Here are five signs a child may benefit from a night guard to maintain a healthy smile.

Teeth Grinding At Night

Your child may require a night guard if they are experiencing teeth grinding or bruxism, particularly when sleeping at night. Bruxism can lead to the thinning of the outer protective layer of the teeth, the flattening of teeth, and pain. Night guards for kids are designed to protect their teeth during sleep and minimize the detrimental consequences of grinding.

Jaw Pain Or Tenderness

So if your child wakes up to a sore jaw, or at least a tender jaw in the morning, it may result in teeth grinding at night. It is also a subconscious movement and the additional stress on the jaw muscle can cause aches and stiffness. This discomfort may make it hard for your child to open their mouth fully or chew food comfortably. Night guard recommendations for children often include a custom-made guard to protect the teeth and help alleviate pressure on the jaw.

Frequent Headaches

Another symptom that may indicate your child needs a night guard is morning headaches. Bruxism causes tension build-up around the jaw area and head and neck muscles thus giving rise to headaches. If your child wakes up with headaches or morning migraines, it is advisable to consider if the problem is resulting from bruxism. A night guard helps by preventing clenching of their teeth which can significantly reduce tension headaches.

Worn or Chipped Teeth

Broken or flattened teeth are the best indicators of grinding or clenching. If your child’s teeth start developing signs of flatting or chipping on their surfaces, be sure they are grinding them at night. This can be harmful because it erodes the enamel that protects teeth, making them more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. A night guard for kids provides a protective layer, helping to prevent further damage to the teeth while they sleep.

Difficulty Sleeping Or Restlessness

Jaw clenching and teeth grinding can potentially disrupt your child's sleep. Their sleep may be disrupted by bruxism if they wake up several times during the night, toss and turn frequently, or appear especially exhausted in the morning. Your child can sleep more soundly through the night if they wear a night guard, which can help lessen the discomfort caused by grinding.

Benefits Of A Night Guard

A night guard for kids can provide the following advantages for children with teeth grinding or jaw clenching. First and foremost, it aids in shielding young teeth from damage, which can avert more significant dental problems in the future. Night guards also minimize jaw pain, migraine, and muscle strain resulting from grinding and bruxism. A night watch can enhance your child's general health and well-being by tackling these problems early.

Could a night guard be the solution your child needs?

Our night guards can protect against teeth grinding and jaw discomfort. Act now to ensure your child’s dental health and restful sleep!

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When To See A Dentist?

If your child falls into any of the above signs, it’s important to consult with your child’s dentist. They can help with whether a night guard for kids is needed and other suggestions depending on the child’s situation. A dentist will also be able to determine the extent of the bruxism and whether the guard is correctly positioned in the child’s mouth.

Recap

Bruxism causes tooth enamel wear, dental caries, and temporomandibular joint disorder if ignored in children. It is important to recognize signs early and get the appropriate treatment, which includes a night guard for kids, to avoid further damage. Consult with a dentist and follow night guard guidelines for children. You can keep your child’s smile safe and healthy while guaranteeing they have a restful night. Do not wait for the problem to develop —act now and ensure your child’s oral health.

FAQs

How do you tell if you need a night guard?

Symptoms include grinding of teeth, jaw pain, often getting headaches, your teeth may show signs of wear, or you may have difficulty sleeping. Seek the help of a dentist for an assessment.

Do kids need night guards?

Yes, if they clench their teeth, have jaw discomfort, or exhibit symptoms of worn enamel. A dentist can recommend the right option.