A night guard is a soft or hard dental appliance worn over the teeth while sleeping. Its primary purposes are:
- Preventing direct tooth-to-tooth contact
- Reducing the force and friction caused by grinding
- Alleviating pressure on jaw muscles and joints
- Minimizing long-term enamel damage and tooth sensitivity
- Over-the-Counter (OTC): Available at pharmacies, these guards are one-size-fits-all or boil-and-bite style. While affordable, they may not fit well and can be bulky or uncomfortable for kids.
- Custom-Made: Designed by a pediatric dentist based on impressions of your child’s teeth, these offer a secure, comfortable fit and are more effective at protecting tooth enamel and aligning the bite. Although more expensive, they are the recommended option for children with moderate to severe bruxism.
Not all children are ideal candidates for night guards. Factors to consider include:
- Age: Most dentists wait until a child’s permanent teeth begin to emerge before prescribing a night guard, as baby teeth naturally shift.
- Comfort and Compliance: Some children may resist wearing a night guard due to discomfort. Custom-fitted guards improve tolerance and wearability.
- Severity of Grinding: If the grinding is mild or temporary—due to teething or stress—a dentist might recommend monitoring before prescribing a guard.
Most pediatric dentists recommend waiting until a child’s permanent teeth begin to come in—usually around age 6 or older—before considering a night guard. This is because baby teeth are still shifting and developing, and using a guard too early may interfere with normal growth.
That said, if a child shows significant wear on their teeth or complains of jaw pain or headaches, a dentist may prescribe a custom night guard tailored to the child’s stage of dental development.
- Choking Hazard: Ill-fitting or poorly made night guards—especially over-the-counter ones—can become dislodged during sleep, posing a risk of choking, particularly in very young children.
- Improper Fit: OTC guards are not made for small mouths. If they don’t sit properly on the teeth, they may cause irritation, jaw misalignment, or even worsen grinding.
- Oral Development Concerns: In younger children, night guards can interfere with the natural movement and alignment of developing teeth. Pediatric dentists carefully assess growth stages before recommending one.
For children ages 3–5 with mild grinding, the condition often resolves naturally, so a night guard is usually not needed; however, using one at this stage may disrupt tooth development and carries a higher risk of non-compliance. For ages 6–12 with moderate to severe grinding, custom night guards can help protect permanent teeth and reduce jaw pain, though they must be monitored for fit as the mouth grows and may need replacement. For teens with permanent teeth, a custom-fit night guard is generally effective and safe, helping to reduce wear and discomfort, but cost and compliance can still be concerns.
Stress Management and Bedtime Routines
Emotional stress and anxiety are common triggers of bruxism in kids. Creating a calming environment and establishing healthy bedtime habits can significantly reduce grinding.
Helpful practices include:
- A consistent bedtime and wake-up schedule
- Limiting screen time before bed
- Reading a book, warm baths, or calming music to unwind
- Encouraging your child to talk about their day to reduce emotional buildup
In some cases, children may benefit from child-friendly mindfulness or relaxation techniques like deep breathing or guided imagery.
Orthodontic Treatments for Alignment Issues
If misaligned teeth or jaw structure contribute to your child’s bruxism, orthodontic intervention may be the long-term solution. A pediatric dentist or orthodontist may recommend:
- Early orthodontic evaluation (usually around age 7)
- Expanders, space maintainers, or braces to correct bite issues
- Monitoring how teeth come in and if they cause jaw tension
Correcting alignment can not only stop grinding but also improve speech, chewing, and overall oral health.
Regular Dental Checkups and Monitoring Tooth Wear
Routine dental visits are key to identifying early signs of bruxism and preventing long-term damage. Pediatric dentists will:
- Examine for flattened teeth, enamel erosion, or chips
- Ask about sleep habits, jaw pain, or behavioral changes
- Track changes in wear patterns over time
Early detection allows for timely intervention—whether it's watchful waiting, a night guard, or other treatments—and ensures your child’s teeth stay healthy as they grow.