Can Toddlers Wear a Mouth Guard?
Adults should wear mouthguards when participating in sports. Sports involving physical contacts, such as football, lacrosse, wrestling, and hockey, require players to wear mouthguards. However, even in non-contact sports like soccer, basketball, and baseball, wearing a mouthguard can help prevent injury. Mouthguards are recommended for all athletes, young and old.
As with adults, mouthguards can benefit children, especially when they experience bruxism or teeth grinding. Still, children are more likely to need them if they participate in sports that could result in their falling and injuring themselves. A mouthguard also helps with teeth grinding.
However, what should you know before purchasing children’s mouthguards, and what are your best options right now?
What Is Teeth Grinding
Pediatric bruxism doesn’t necessarily require treatment.
Others grind their teeth so hard that they make an audible sound when they’re stressed. When they’re asleep, some children clench their teeth. They often don’t even know they’re doing it when they do it!
In most cases, your child’s teeth-grinding won’t persist long and won’t cause any harm to them. However, if the problem persists, you may want to consult a dentist. It could cause migraines, tooth or jaw pain, or tooth decay in your youngster. The use of night-time teeth-grinding guards might help, consult your pediatric dentist about it.
Possible Causes of Teeth Grinding
There’s no single known cause of bruxism; however, these could be its possible causes:
- Allergies
- Misaligned teeth
- Earaches
- Hyperactivity
- Mouth irritation
Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
Attend to your kids immediately if they feel or experience:
- Fractured teeth
- Painful or loose teeth
- Jaw soreness
- Dull headaches
Helping Your Child With Teeth Grinding
Try these stress-relief techniques for your child’s night teeth grinding.
- Create a peaceful and relaxing environment in your bedroom. When it comes time to decorate your child’s room, allow them to have a hand in the process. Consider using soft lighting and their favorite colors.
- Take a warm bath or shower, listen to some relaxing music, or read a book to wind down before going to bed.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Massage and stretching should be part of your child’s sleep ritual.
Recommended Age For Wearing Dental Guards
Wearing dental night guards is very helpful to children who experience teeth-grinding at night. However, there is no minimum age for a child to start wearing a mouth guard at night. The use of orthodontic night guards helps decrease tooth deterioration and migraines caused by teeth grinding.
Moreover, children who are physically active, or do sports can wear athletic mouth guards. This mouth guard will serve as their dental protection from any form of injuries.
Furthermore, it would be best to consult with your dentist to learn more about this.
How Can A Night Guard Help With Teeth Grinding
If you are looking for the most effective night guards, you should consult with your dentist about it. Based on your unique grinding pattern, custom-fitted night guards are designed to be the most effective. Molds of the upper and lower teeth are taken, and the final night guard is crafted in a dental laboratory away from the dental office.
Moreover, you can also spot a night guard at any drugstore; however, it is not custom-fitted. Not custom-fitted night guards would more likely be overly bulky and come out during the night. Additionally, the rubber-based material used in the night guards purchased from a store is actually encouraging clenching and grinding, making them counterproductive.
Read Next: How to Treat Canker Sores in Kids
Contact Junior Smiles of Stafford to learn more about mouth guards
Contact the most reputable pediatric dentist near your area if you notice your child’s teeth grinding at night. You might want to consult with your dentist about it if it persists. We offer the skills and equipment necessary to make your child’s dental appointments joyful and stress-free.
Why Choose Junior Smiles of Stafford?
Our Stafford, VA team is well-versed in working with clients of various ages and backgrounds. They’ll take the time to get to know you and your family’s requirements, and they’ll work with you to design a treatment plan that suits your schedule. Sealants and fluoride treatments are just two of the many preventative care options we provide to keep your mouth healthy.
About Us
Visiting Junior Smiles of Stafford means you’re in good hands when it comes to receiving high-quality care. Your child’s dental health improves with each visit, ensuring a brighter smile for years to come. We adhere to the ADA and AAPD’s guidelines for best practices.
Where Are We Located?
Phone: (540) 699-2441
Fax: (540) 699-2464
Email: info@juniorsmilesofstafford.com
Monday and Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesdays and Thursdays: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fridays and Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (By appointment only)
How to Book Your Kids First Appointment at Junior Smiles of Stafford
Fill out the form on our website. Within 24 hours, a member of our team will get back to you.