Night Guard in Westmont

There is good news for parents whose children grind their teeth at night. At first parents may, or may not, be aware that some children clench their jaws and grind their teeth at night. If teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) is a regular occurrence, it will result in wear and tear of tooth enamel.

Some of the symptoms of teeth grinding include facial pain, sore jaw, headaches, jaw clicking sounds, teeth that are mysteriously chipped/cracked and super-sensitive, feeling tired, and siblings who notice nighttime noises.

In addition to tooth damage, clenching and grinding teeth can cause problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which allows the jaw to move.

Fortunately, night guards can prevent this damage. Night guards fit over the teeth to prevent them from touching. Night guards also help prevent jaw muscles from clenching tightly and causing stress on the temporomandibular joint.

Over-the-counter night guards are available at most drug stores, but they are one-size-fits-all, which is often not comfortable to wear. The best type is a custom-made night guard made by a dentist. This night guard is specially designed to fit a child’s teeth and mouth.

A dentist creates a custom-made night guard by first taking teeth impressions, or a 3-D scan, of a child’s teeth. The night guard is then created in the precise shape of the child’s teeth. The night guard is made from material that is strong and comfortable.

A comfortable night guard is important because your child will be sleeping with it all night. If it’s not comfortable your child will not wear it. Custom-made night guards offer the most comfort and therefore they will be worn more often.

If you suspect that your child is grinding their teeth at night, please call us to make an appointment at our office. The dentist will examine your child for evidence of teeth grinding and recommend the best course of action. Help your child’s teeth and their sleep by calling us today.