How do you stop a child from grinding their teeth at night?

Question

My daughter (age five) has been grinding her teeth at night about once every two weeks.
My nine month old has now begun to grind his teeth.

Any sugestions on how to stop this anoying habit in either case?

Answer 1

It's not just annoying; it will ruin their teeth by wearing the enamel away. Take them to the dentist and get mouth guards for them to wear at night. They hopefully will outgrow it, but some people continue throughout their lives. Good luck!

Answer 2

I would recommend going to the dentist to see what they say. Normally (for example with an adult or teen) I would say they would need a nightguard, which is a plastic applicance that is worn over the teeth at night, which can stop the grinding, or just protect the teeth from the grinding. But with a child, they would most likely not do that, especially at that young an age, because it is very rare for young children to react well to getting impressions taken (which must be done as the nightguard is custom fitted). They might be able to recommend another way of stopping them from grinding. To sum it up, when in doubt, ask your dentist!

Answer 3

Unfortunately children grind their teeth. The reasons are unknown, but the primary teeth (baby teeth) are made different than the permanent (adult) teeth. Due to this it allows for the primary teeth to handle the wear down of the enamel better.

In most cases the child/children stop grinding their teeth when they get more of the permanent teeth in. If by that time (9-10 yrs old) the grinding does not stop, then you should see your dentist and discuss your concerns with them.

I would guess that if you take your children to the dentist about this problem now....nothing would be done. Just due to their ages.

Answer 4

Nothing, they will probably grow out of it. A dentist will not give them a night guard or retainer because it won't allow there mouth to grow the way it needs to. There baby teeth can handle grinding better than our adult teeth can. She's not really doing it often enough to really worry about anyway. Both my boys grind there teeth at night since they had teeth and as they get older they are doing it less and less. They are now 4 and 5 years old. Hope everything goes well

Answer 5

I grind my teeth at night. My Dr says to buy one of the clear night mouth pieces. I go to my Chiro every now and then to pop my jaw back in place so I will stop grinding. It helps for a while. I have lock jaw. But I dont know what you would do for a child. Have you asked a Dr?

Answer 6

theres this thing that is like a retainer, except it protects the teeth from grinding, ask your orthodontist or dentist about it for more info on them.

Answer 7

do not get any mercury fillings, because that causes it. don't get other heavy metals either.

go to the dentist and have them make her a nightguard. you might try walmart pharmacy, but i don't know if they would have one small enough.