Involuntary nighttime teeth grinding is the worst because it causes jaw pain early in the morning. The severe headache children often complain of in the morning is another effect of teeth grinding while sleeping. Night guards provide children and adults with a protective barrier against bruxism (teeth grinding).
Night guards save children’s teeth from constant wear, and their regular use may even help in limiting the habit of bruxism. But when is the right time for your child to start wearing night guards? Let’s find out.
What Are Dental Night Guards?
A dental night guard is an oral appliance that dentists prescribe to patients who grind their teeth. Patients may grind their teeth while conscious, but nighttime teeth grinding is more prevalent. Among all patients, children are mostly affected by bruxism and likely have it during their sleep.
Night guards offer a safe way to protect the teeth against severe trauma. As a parent, you must look for signs of damage that teeth grinding is causing to your child. This will help you in making the right decision before it’s too late.
When Should My Child Start Using A Night Guard?
The suitable age bracket for children to use mouth guards is 6 to 7 years. This is when their permanent teeth have erupted. Dentists recommend night guards for children when parents notice the following signs:
1. Toothaches
When your child complains of pain in their teeth, especially in the morning, nighttime teeth grinding might be the problem. Timely administration of oral appliances can minimize their pain and prevent future damage.
2. Soreness In The Jaw
Children cannot normally express pain in words. The physical signs should be sufficient to alarm you. Soreness in the jaw that may be associated with swelling can tell you that your child has a severe habit of bruxism and needs treatment.
3. Fractured And Chipped Teeth
If your child has had a habit of nighttime grinding for a very long period, then fractures or chipping of the teeth is not uncommon. Fractures of the tooth without trauma from a fall or a hit are indicative of damage by bruxism.
4. Loosening Of The Teeth
Milk teeth often become mobile when it’s time for them to fall out. However, if your child’s teeth are loosening ahead of time, then it’s likely because they can’t get over the habit of nighttime grinding. While night guards will not stop the loosening of the teeth, they will prevent the habit that may progress the mobility of the teeth.
Note: Children who have milk teeth need special oral appliances from dentists that are not closely related to night guards.
Final Verdict
Night guards, whether given to adults or children, can be protective against enamel damage. Its custom-designed approach by a dentist follows the exact anatomy of the teeth, which prevents tooth wear. At Safari Family Dental & Orthodontics, you can get personalized dental treatments and appliances from an expert. Call us, and our team will guide you through the consultation.