Why do people grind their teeth in their sleep?

Question

My 5 year old does this its sooooooo annoying! she has a dentist appt.Thursday but I was just wondering why they do this??she couldn't be stressed about anything,shes only five lol

Answer 1

Sometimes it's not necessarily stress, it actually just feels good and relieving to some people. Take her to the dentist...they might want to give her a night guard, but consider this as your final option, because the night guard can change the angle of her jaw. I'm 18 and even my dentist was hesitant to give me one for the same reason. This is weird but my dentist actually taught me what I should think about before I go to sleep every night to prevent the need to be "relieved" during the night. Strangely enough it worked. Apparently my dentist likes to be a therapist on the side!!

Answer 2

Just because you're five doesn't mean you don't have stress. She in kindergarten yet, or in another program? There could be things going on at her school you're not aware of that may be upsetting here. Maybe she's worried about her mom and dad. It could be any number of things. Some people just do it, and it has nothing to do with nerves at all. It just happens. Your best bet is to get her fit for a mouth guard (I have one that I got from the dentist that snaps on the front two teeth rather than a full mouth guard which is a bit much for a child). They will make a mold of her teeth and produce it from this. Definitely something worth looking into, not just for her peace of mind; but for yours as well. =)

Answer 3

Even 5 year olds have stress. Maybe she thinks the kids at school don't like her, maybe she thinks she is a bad girl for something she got punished for. Maybe she is just shy and trying to play at school is stressful for her.

Once a child is old enough to realize there are other people in the world and start comparing themselves to them they can stress.

Answer 4

Nerves

Answer 5

yes she can.