What to Do When 4 Year Old Grinds His Teeth All Night?!?!

My 5 year old daughter does exactly the same thing and has been doing it since her teeth came in. She has had some dental work starting at 2 because of calcium deposits while still in the womb so she has been to a pediatric dental specialist for 3 years. When i asked him what to do about the grinding he said that i should not worry about it because they are baby teeth and the teeth are not broken. Once her permanent teeth come in he said she will probably need to get a mouth guard made for sleeping. So for now we just have to deal with the terrible noise.

My daughter started doing this at 2 1/2. The dentist said that it is normal, and they usually grow out of it at their own pace. She would wake up in the middle of the night and come into bed with us, and start grinding. We would try to get her to stop, but she wouldn't even wake up when we were messing with her mouth. I think that they do it while they are in the deepest part of sleep. Don't worry about it until he is older and has his permanent teeth

It is perfectly normal albeit very annoying. Many children will significantly wear down their baby teeth. Thank goodness we get two sets. I wouldn't worry until all adult teeth are in. Many adults grind and should be evaluated and probably be fitted for a customized appliance by their dentist. Yes they are expensive but a $300-$600 investment is MUCH cheaper than a full mouth reconstruction of crowns when you are 60 and your teeth are completely worn down, or TMJ therapy because you damage your joints in the jaw. I have seen people with teeth worn to the gumline from excessive grinding. That's why even if your kids' teeth are straight, please have them examined by an orthodontist. I had straight teeth (wasn't recommended for braces) but had a crossbite (teeth not coming together right in the back) that significantly wore down teeth. Had ortho as adult and now wear a guard.

Disclaimer: I am not a dentist, (I am a hygienist)so this information is merely informative and should not be construed as dental advice. Please consult your dentist.

I used to do the same thing (sometimes still do!), but my 7-year-old daughter does it too-very loudly also! I asked our dentist about it at her last visit, and he said it was nothing to worry about at this point. It has even worn down the corners of her teeth! I think I've done it most of my life, and just now, at 32, the dentist is considering making a night guard for me to wear. So I think you're okay for now...

My son used to grind his teeth a lot. Our pediadontist told us that he would probably outgrow it and that it was normal. In our case, he was right. He said most kids do it and not to worry. I worried about my son's enamel on his teeth, but the dentist reminded me that those were his baby teeth, not his adult teeth, so there wasn't much to worry about. Good luck!

Good Morning S., I am not sure they make them for children but you could check on one of the sports soft mouthpieces. Our son used one a few years back in his teens. it helped him as he clenched his jaws shut so tight they would lock up in the morning. They are like the teeth whitening trays. Soft and can be trimmed to fit.

I hope you can find some help with this soon.

God Bless
K. Nana of 5

When you say your son is oblivious to it do you mean waking him up? during these "episodes"? If you cannot wake him up and he is grinding his teeth, take him to the doctor and make sure he isn't having seizures???? Not trying to scare you but it is a possiblity. Does he do this ONLY when he is sleeping? Maybe the doctor needs to order an EEG (measures brain wave activity) to make sure everything is okay. Also, maybe he has sleep apnea and his oxygen levels are getting too low, then he starts the "teeth grinding"???? I would definately call a doctor and have it checked out. Good luck and God Bless :)

I have worked for an oral surgeon for 8 years plus I have a 6 year old who des the same thing. Most likely he is just cutting more teeth--probably molars. They tend to grind there teeth at night b/c the molars are pushing on there other teeth. You will be fine to wait until January, when you insurance kicks in. Trust me, it drives me and my husband crazy as well and it also wakes us up!! Maybe try some Motrin before he goes to bed at night. Good luck!!

My daughter did this too and it drove me crazy. She wore down her teeth! The good news is, she outgrew it. Her baby teeth fell out and new teeth came in. So, no big deal.

Your dentist may give him a mouth guard to wear at night. It won't stop the grinding but it will stop the wear on the teeth. If you are hearing it from the next room, it might be a much bigger problem than my daughters. I only heard hers if she were sleeping next to me.

Some people, my husband included, channel all their stress to their jaws, which leads to grinding, tightness and headaches. He has to purposely relax his jaw when he's stressed because that's just his natural tendency. So, until you get to the dentist, maybe try to find out if something is stressing him out.

S.: I have a 4 year old daughter that does the same thing. I asked her dentist about it and he said it's very normal for kids to grind their teeth as their jaw is growing. He said most children outgrow it. Hope that helps -- J.

My dentist says that my boys do the same thing and she recommended that we get a fitted sports mouth guard to wear at bedtime. The fact that it is a sports mouth guard may make it "cool" enough to wear and I think you heat them and fit them to your child's teeth. You might try a drug store (CVS/Walgreens) and then go to like Dick's or some sporting goods store if you don't find them there.

S.,

My 8 yo daughter does the same thing. My husband took her to a sport store and bought her a boil-and-bite mouth guard. It is clear and goes on the top teeth. She has worn it at night for a few weeks now with out problems. She even brushes it when she brushes her teeth.

Your son is younger, but he might think it is cool to get to wear FOOTBALL gear!

Good luck!

my oldest granddaughter now almost 8 y/o was a teeth grinder soooooo bad. after she had her tonsils n adnoids out lastyear it has slacked off so much it is almost non existant.i dont know what it had to do with it but i am glad she stopped as she was already killing her teeth. i wish u luck at stopping it asap

S.,

Good news! This is normal! I worked for a dentist for 5 years and parents ask this question all of the time. As a matter of fact, my 6 and 8 yo kiddos still grind on occasion. It sounds like glass shattering. The dentist that I worked for explained this way - when childrens teeth are developing and causing movement the grinding is like scratching an itch. Children will usually outgrow this as they get their permanent dentition. Mouth guards or occlusal guards are not typically used on children. Kiddo's grow at such a fast rate that you would be replacing it at least every 6 months if not sooner, and every time a tooth is gained or lost. WOW! That would be a crazy amount of money! Also know that when an adult grinds their teeth it is for different reasons that does necessitate a guard to prevent damage. Chances are, if you start to look around at other kids teeth, you'll notice that they are flat and worn from grinding as well. I wouldn't be the least bit concern.

Chris

Hi S.! All the other moms have wonderful advice. I wasn't familiar with this website when my son did this 3 years ago! I took him to the dentist and they were not concerned at all. They told me not to worry as well, because they are BABY teeth. They told me when his ADULT ones come in he should back off on the grinding down. He explained to me that when baby start getting thier teeth in they grind, because it is something that is new and different feeling. So he went on to explain to me that the reason my son was doing it was, because everything is starting to shift for the ADULT teeth. It is something new and different feeling. He is now 7 today and has actually quit grinding for a little bit over a year now. Trust me that grinding teeth thing was so nerve wrecking. We could be in the living room across the house with the TV on, and he could be in his room with his fan and radio on with the door shut. WE COULD STILL HEAR IT!! I feel your pain....I hope this helps you in some way. Good luck!!

~S.

Hi S.,

Take her to the dentist, they can make a special device for her to sleep with, it is soft and easy to use, and it will help her keep her teeth in good shape, otherwise they will wear. Now she still has baby teeth, but if she keeps doing it she'll ruin her permanent teeth. I have done that and my front teeth are thinner than normal because of it. Wish I would have known!
Mariana

Just within the last year I too have had problems with my teeth at night. I dont grind them, I just clench very tightly and I wake up with a sore jaw at night. Its funny that I just started this in adulthood and not at a much younger age. I had to get a mouthguard (dentist wanted $250 to have one made because my insurance wouldnt cover it and I didnt have that kind of money so for now Im using one I bought at WalMart) at night and it helps very much. My jaw isnt so sore when I wake up. I really want to find out what the root of the problem is so I can fix it and not have to worry about the clenching but I just dont know how to do that. Your son is oblivious to it because he cant really help what does while he is sleeping. There is absolutely nothing you can do (that I know of) to get him to stop. All you can do is prevent damage (it can crack your jaw and ruin your teeth) by getting him some protection he can wear at night. Good luck!!