Many adults suffer headaches and jaw pain from grinding their teeth at night, and the solution is fairly simple—a mouthguard to wear while they are sleeping. But what about kids who grind their teeth? Can they handle wearing and taking care of a mouthguard?

Absolutely, they can! At Dentistry for Children in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada, Dr. Maryam Sina and her team are experts at caring for kids with a teeth-grinding issue. Here are a few tips on how to handle the situation.

Why do kids need a mouthguard?

Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding. This is a common condition that can develop at any age, but it can be more serious in kids because the grinding can wear down their teeth before they are fully formed.

It can be hard for kids to know they’re actually grinding their teeth, so here are a few signs to look for:

• Complaining of headaches or jaw pain
• Chipped or fractured teeth
• Sores on their cheek, lips, or tongue from biting too hard
• Wear and tear on their gums

If you notice any of these things, it’s time to make an appointment to see Dr. Sina. The best solution for teeth grinding is a custom mouthguard that fits over your child’s upper teeth. It’s made of a plastic or rubber-type material that protects their teeth from damage when the grinding occurs by absorbing the pressure from their clenching jaws, allowing them to relax.

You can buy an off-the-shelf mouthguard at the store, but a customized guard will offer better protection and be more comfortable. Once used, the mouthguard should clear up your child’s teeth grinding symptoms, helping them become more well-rested without the constant grinding disturbing their sleep.

How to take care of a mouthguard

Taking care of a mouthguard is simple—simply have your child brush it every morning after they wear it when they are brushing their teeth. They can use normal toothpaste and a toothbrush, just like they would their teeth. Once a week or so, they should soak the mouthguard in a special cleaner to keep stains and other contaminants from building up.

Your child should be able to talk and communicate just fine while wearing the guard, but keep in mind that a custom guard that has been fitted precisely to your child’s teeth will enable them to talk much better (and with more comfort) than a generic model.

Get your child fitted for a mouthguard today

Mouthguards are a great way to alleviate the pain and stress than can come with teeth grinding. While kids will have to get used to wearing them at night as they sleep, they are a fairly easy solution to implement.

To find out more and set up your complimentary consultation at either the Henderson or Las Vegas locations of Dentistry for Children, call or book an appointment online today!