Hacks to stop your child from grinding their teeth
Studies estimate anywhere from 6% up to almost 50% of children grind their teeth (a condition known as bruxism) while they sleep.
If your child is grinding their teeth, it may be in response to anxiety and stress. Although many children don’t even know they’re doing it, and many do most of their grinding in their sleep, the after-effects are noticeable.
Children who grind their teeth often experience facial and jaw pain, jaw stiffness, headaches, broken teeth and fillings, earache, and sleep disturbances. Over time, your child’s teeth can also wear down.
Here are five hacks for parents to help their children stop grinding their teeth.
Give your child a mouthguard to sleep with
Getting used to falling asleep with a mouthguard on can be awkward and uncomfortable at first, but it is an effective way to stop your child from grinding their teeth. The mouth guard acts as a physical barrier between your child’s teeth, making it impossible for them to grind their teeth together.
Control your child’s anxiety
Dealing with the root cause of your child’s tooth grinding may be easier said than done. Getting your child into relaxing routines before they fall asleep can be helpful. Taking a bath, reading a book, and following a regular sleep routine are known to help children get more restful sleep and calm their anxieties, even if it is only temporarily. If your child’s anxiety symptoms are overwhelming or increasingly affecting their daily activities, it is advisable to seek professional help and treatment.
Give your child a facial massage
Massaging your child’s face, especially their jaw, before they sleep can help relax their facial muscles.
Cut down on caffeine and sugar
Caffeinated drinks and food with lots of sugar have been known to make children more excitable and heighten anxiety. Easing off chocolates and sweets, especially in the evenings, can help your child get more restful sleep and reduce tooth grinding.
Don’t let your child chew anything but food
Children who chew the ends of pencils, pen caps, gum and their own nails throughout the day to relieve stress are more likely to continue chewing during their sleep, grinding their teeth. Becoming aware of this habit and stopping it as soon as you notice it can also help your child stop grinding their teeth while they sleep.
