Hearing your child grind their teeth at night can be alarming—but is a night guard the right solution? While bruxism (teeth grinding) is common in children, the decision to use a night guard depends on their age, dental health, and severity of grinding.
This parent’s guide covers:
✔ Why kids grind their teeth
✔ When a night guard is necessary
✔ Child-safe alternatives
✔ How to choose the right option
Why Do Children Grind Their Teeth?
Common causes include:
-
New teeth coming in (discomfort leads to grinding)
-
Misaligned bite (upper and lower teeth don’t fit properly)
-
Stress or anxiety (school pressure, changes at home)
-
Sleep disorders (like sleep apnea)
-
Hyperactivity or caffeine (soda, chocolate before bed)
💡 Up to 30% of children grind their teeth, but most outgrow it by adolescence.
When Does a Child Need a Night Guard?
Consult a pediatric dentist if your child:
-
Grinds loudly (you can hear it at night)
-
Complains of jaw pain or headaches
-
Has worn-down, chipped, or sensitive teeth
-
Is losing baby teeth prematurely from grinding
🚫 Avoid OTC adult guards—they can interfere with jaw development in kids.
Night Guard Options for Kids
1. Custom Pediatric Night Guards
-
Pros:
-
Made from soft, flexible materials
-
Fits comfortably over baby or mixed teeth
-
Prevents damage to permanent teeth
-
Cons:
2. Boil-and-Bite (Modified for Kids)
3. Dental Splints (For Severe Cases)
💡 Best choice? A dentist-approved custom guard—especially if permanent teeth are coming in.
Alternatives to Night Guards for Kids
For mild cases, try:
✅ Warm compress before bed (relaxes jaw muscles)
✅ Hydration (dehydration can worsen grinding)
✅ Stress-reducing bedtime routine (reading, calming music)
✅ Cutting caffeine (no soda/chocolate after lunch)
What to Avoid
❌ Adult night guards (too big, risk of choking)
❌ Ignoring severe grinding (can damage permanent teeth)
❌ DIY fixes (like mouthguards for sports—not designed for grinding)
Final Verdict: Should Your Child Use One?
| Scenario |
Recommendation |
| Occasional grinding, no pain |
Monitor, no guard needed |
| Frequent grinding + tooth wear |
Pediatric night guard |
| Jaw pain or headaches |
See a dentist ASAP |
When in doubt, ask your pediatric dentist!
FAQ
Q: At what age can a child use a night guard?
A: Usually age 6+, once permanent teeth start coming in.
Q: Will my child outgrow teeth grinding?
A: Most do by age 12, but severe cases need intervention.
Q: How do I clean my child’s night guard?
A: Brush daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap—avoid toothpaste (abrasive).
Need a kid-friendly guard? Ask your dentist or check New Smile Life’s options.
Hearing your child grind their teeth at night can be alarming—but is a night guard the right solution? While bruxism (teeth grinding) is common in children, the decision to use a night guard depends on their age, dental health, and severity of grinding.
This parent’s guide covers:
✔ Why kids grind their teeth
✔ When a night guard is necessary
✔ Child-safe alternatives
✔ How to choose the right option
Why Do Children Grind Their Teeth?
Common causes include:
New teeth coming in (discomfort leads to grinding)
Misaligned bite (upper and lower teeth don’t fit properly)
Stress or anxiety (school pressure, changes at home)
Sleep disorders (like sleep apnea)
Hyperactivity or caffeine (soda, chocolate before bed)
💡 Up to 30% of children grind their teeth, but most outgrow it by adolescence.
When Does a Child Need a Night Guard?
Consult a pediatric dentist if your child:
Grinds loudly (you can hear it at night)
Complains of jaw pain or headaches
Has worn-down, chipped, or sensitive teeth
Is losing baby teeth prematurely from grinding
🚫 Avoid OTC adult guards—they can interfere with jaw development in kids.
Night Guard Options for Kids
1. Custom Pediatric Night Guards
Pros:
Made from soft, flexible materials
Fits comfortably over baby or mixed teeth
Prevents damage to permanent teeth
Cons:
Needs replacement as teeth grow
More expensive (~200−400)
2. Boil-and-Bite (Modified for Kids)
Pros:
Affordable (~30−60)
Can be trimmed for smaller mouths
Cons:
Less durable (lasts ~3-6 months)
May feel bulky
3. Dental Splints (For Severe Cases)
Prescribed by a dentist for TMJ issues
Helps guide jaw growth
💡 Best choice? A dentist-approved custom guard—especially if permanent teeth are coming in.
Alternatives to Night Guards for Kids
For mild cases, try:
✅ Warm compress before bed (relaxes jaw muscles)
✅ Hydration (dehydration can worsen grinding)
✅ Stress-reducing bedtime routine (reading, calming music)
✅ Cutting caffeine (no soda/chocolate after lunch)
What to Avoid
❌ Adult night guards (too big, risk of choking)
❌ Ignoring severe grinding (can damage permanent teeth)
❌ DIY fixes (like mouthguards for sports—not designed for grinding)
Final Verdict: Should Your Child Use One?
When in doubt, ask your pediatric dentist!
FAQ
Q: At what age can a child use a night guard?
A: Usually age 6+, once permanent teeth start coming in.
Q: Will my child outgrow teeth grinding?
A: Most do by age 12, but severe cases need intervention.
Q: How do I clean my child’s night guard?
A: Brush daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap—avoid toothpaste (abrasive).
Need a kid-friendly guard? Ask your dentist or check New Smile Life’s options.