How can I help my 3 year old to stop grinding teeth at night?

The dentist made a mouth guard for my nephew. He ground his teeth so hard at night that he could be heard without even going into his room. No one ever figured out a way to help him stop, we just protected his teeth and jaw as best as we could. He started at age 3 also. He is now 16. His jaw was hurting a while back and his mother decided to take him to the dentist. I asked him if he was still grinding his teeth; he of course did not know what he did in his sleep. He went to a dentist about the jaw problem and she did not see any signs of grinding his teeth. I guess he outgrew it.

We did quite a bit of research at the time (13 years ago) and could find nothing to help him stop. The custom made mouth guard was the best we could do. It seems to have worked as there is not any damage showing now.

BTW, watch your son during the day and see if he clenches his jaw. If so, you can remind him to stop and relax his jaw.

Good luck to you.

Toddler Grinding Teeth At Night

Toddler Grinding Teeth In Sleep

My daughter has been grinding her teeth as long as she's had them, it's a horrid sound and it seems like her teeth are gonna break off! I took her to the densist when she was two and she goes every six months now, but I've asked my docter and both dentists and all of them told me that there is nothing you can do they usually grow out of it when they get their adult teeth, katie's gotten 8 teeth and hasn't stopped and she's almost 7...I also asked whether it is causing a problem with her teeth but I was assured especially when they are baby teeth that it doesn't cause permenant damage. She has always woken up in a good mood..maybe he's just not a morning person, my son is not a morning person. I feel ya though even though I've been told it's ok it still bothers me when I hear it. But at her last dentist appt. in august they said she's got perfect teeth, no damage, no decay! We're good! Good luck!!!

I have been told by doctors that teeth grinding when sleeping is caused by stress. I don't really understand it, but that is just what I was told. My son does the same thing and he sleeps down the hall from my husband and I, and I can hear him grinding, it is very loud. Next time I take him to the dentist I'm going to see what they think I should do. I don't know much about those teeth covers?

My youngest son did this in his sleep too. He's 8 now doesn't grind his teeth but still wakes up cranky. Our doc said that he'll grow out of it, the teeth grinding anyway. Jake just isn't a morning person if he's woken up. Could be your son isn't getting enough sleep, could be he's just not a morning person either. I wouldn't put teeth covers on him now as he's still a bit too young and might choke on them. Ask your pediatrician what they recommend. Good luck!

I asked a friend of mine who works in a dental lab. They make custom bite gaurds for people who grind their teeth. She says that the store bought ones are not going to be as effective because they don't fit properly (and could also be uncomfortable because of it). Most toddlers grind their teeth in their sleep, so it's not uncommon. If you're concerned, you could ask your dentist to have a bite gaurd made. They are relatively inexpensive and could put your mind at ease. :)

Try the dentist. He should be having dental check ups now anyway. It has been said that children grind their teeth if they have worms.

this might sound odd but check out and see if she has problem like worms in the stomach. she may have to use something to get rid of the worms. my mom says that , grinding the teeth is a sign for that. sorry if my answer sounds so different but...try and see all the best.

My son does the same thing. I asked both his dentist and his doctor and they said a lot of children do this and not to worry unless his teeth started showing significant wear.