Although children are not affected by stress the same way adults are, they can still grind their teeth while they sleep or clench their jaws. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, only occurs in about 17 percent of children, but it can affect how their teeth look, function and cause reoccurring headaches. Our dentists at ToothTown of Greeley can help kids ages 14 and over by prescribing night guards for them.
Causes of Teeth Grinding in Children
Although stress can be a minor factor when teens grind their teeth, other causes are more likely to cause this unconscious habit, including:
- Mouth irritations
- Allergic reactions
- Teeth misalignments
- Hyperactivity
- Earaches
Some of the symptoms that might clue you into your teen’s teeth grinding are:
- Jaw soreness
- Teeth that are uncomfortable or loose
- Broken teeth
- Recurrent dull headaches
If your child complains of their teeth hurting and headaches, book an appointment with our dentists in Greeley, CO. They can examine your child’s teeth and prescribe and order a custom night guard to protect their teeth.
What are Night Guards?
Dental night guards near you are a plastic mouthguard that looks like those kids and adults wear to protect their teeth when playing sports. There are two types from which to choose, an over-the-counter boil and bite guard or one that our dentists can customize for their teeth. A night guard should not be confused with a sports guard. Oftentimes the over the counter boil and bite guard is completely adequate protection while playing sports. In some situations, the sports guard can serve as a night guard, which is used to combat nighttime bruxism. However, if a night guard is prescribed, the best fit will be achieved by a custom night guard designed specifically to fit your child.
When you choose a custom night guard, dentists will take impressions of your teen’s teeth with a mold so that it fits their mouth precisely. Our dentists near you will send the impressions in with the order of the night guard. It should return from the laboratory in about two to three weeks and get fitted to your child’s mouth.
When they sleep, the night guard will be a cushion between their upper and lower teeth. When they start grinding, they will no longer rub their teeth against teeth. Instead, the plastic night guard will be a barrier between them and cushion them.
If your child complains of headaches, sore teeth, or jaw, or you notice their teeth flattening in the back of their mouth, call ToothTown of Greeley for an appointment to examine their teeth to determine if night guards in Greeley, CO, is the best bruxism solution.
FAQ's
A night guard is a specially designed device that is placed over the teeth during sleep. It serves to protect the teeth from the effects of grinding or clenching, which can lead to damage or discomfort. These guards are crafted for a comfortable fit and promote healthy jaw alignment during the night.
Signs may include worn tooth edges, jaw soreness in the morning, or complaints of headaches. Sometimes grinding is noticed by a parent during sleep. A dental exam can help determine whether a night guard is appropriate.
Yes, teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is fairly common in children. In many cases, it improves as they grow. As a Greeley pediatric dentist, we monitor wear patterns and jaw development before recommending treatment.
A custom night guard is made to match your child’s bite and tooth position. Over-the-counter options may not align properly and can feel bulky. At our dental office in Greeley, we take impressions or digital scans to create a guard that fits securely and supports jaw alignment.
Grinding can wear down enamel with time and, in some cases, cause sensitivity or small fractures. While many children outgrow bruxism, significant wear should be evaluated. Many parents searching for a pediatric dentist near me ask about ways to protect their child’s teeth during sleep.
We begin by taking detailed impressions or digital scans of your child’s teeth. These records are used to develop a custom appliance that fits the bite accurately. Once ready, we check the fit and make adjustments to ensure comfort.
Occasional jaw soreness may be mild, but ongoing pain, difficulty opening the mouth, or frequent headaches should be evaluated. Grinding and clenching can strain the jaw muscles over time, and a dental exam helps determine the cause.
A night guard develops a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth. Instead of enamel rubbing directly against enamel, the appliance absorbs much of the pressure from grinding or clenching. This can help reduce wear, protect existing dental work, and minimize strain on the jaw joints. As a Greeley pediatric dentist, we assess the severity of grinding and evaluate whether a guard is necessary based on enamel wear and reported symptoms. Not all children require treatment, but monitoring helps prevent long-term damage.
The need for a night guard depends on how long grinding continues and how much wear is present. Some children outgrow bruxism as their jaws develop. Others may need periodic evaluation as permanent teeth erupt. At our dental office in Greeley, we reassess fit and necessity during regular visits to ensure the appliance remains appropriate as your child grows.
Custom night guards are developed to fit your child’s teeth closely, which improves comfort compared to store-bought versions. It may take a short adjustment period, but most children adapt quickly. If discomfort persists, adjustments can be made. Parents looking for a kids dentist near me often ask about comfort, and proper fit plays a key role in successful use.