How do you stop children from grinding their teeth?

Answer 1

Mouth guards aren't intended to stop grinding. They are to help get some pressure of teeth and protect them from damage. Talk to a dentist and they will help get the right guard for you.

If you really can't get on with a nightguard then you might consider botox injections to your masseter muscles. But bear in mind that botox treatment is considerably more expensive that using nightguards.

Answer 2

You cannot stop 'nocturnal bruxism' or grinding your teeth at night, but you can get a night guard; an appliance that will allow your teeth to 'skate' instead of engaging with each other causing TMJ pain, neck pain jaw pain, and in some instances abcesses! (sometimes grinding on a particular tooth can irritate the periodontal membrane, causing it to thicken. When this happens, the tooth sits up higher (micromillimeters) in the jaw causing you to keep 'hitting it' when you grind, thus irritating it even more. Sometimes that will cause a further breakdown of the ligament causing an abcess, or irritation of the nerve inside the tooth, resulting in needing a root canal. So a night guard is a very good investment!!! Find a reputable dentist and schedule an appointment today! The above post was excellent, but wanted to add, yes, in time you can learn to stop grinding your teeth. The above poster is correct that you can't correct what you do in your sleep, but grinding one's teeth is a form of stress from the day. Take up Yoga or other relaxing exercises even if it means going to sleep with soothing music to listen too. It's a bruxing guard you will need and as the above poster said if you don't correct this soon you'll be dealing with TMJ. Many people have this problems and it's always related to stress. Tgdan: It seems that most bruxism is indeed stress related, but this is not always the case. When stress is not the cause relaxation techniques will be of no benefit sadly. For example those with a pre-existing sleep disorder (most notably obstuctive sleep apnoea) are at greater risk of bruxism. Those with a high intake of caffiene and alcohol as well as smokers are also at greater risk.

Answer 3

Probably not, unless the "sleeping pill" is a muscle relaxant -- for example, Flexeril (generic name cyclobenzaprine). If you're in need of a sleeping pill to help you sleep, and you also have problems with bruxism (grinding your teeth), a muscle relaxant may be the best choice to address both problems.

If you're taking the sleeping pill only to stop grinding your teeth, then you may want to ask your dentist about a night guard (plastic that is molded to your bite that you wear only at night. They're similar to the mouth guards that boxers and other athletes wear to protect their teeth during a sporting event.)

It's generally best to avoid taking medication when there is another solution. If you don't have trouble sleeping, but use a sleeping pill to stop bruxism, you may find yourself unable to sleep at all without the sleeping pill--in effect adding to your symptoms by over-medicating.

Answer 4

Yes, there is actually a mouth guard that can be purchased to prevent this. The mouth guard will cover your teeth and make it impossible for you to grind them.

Answer 5

Have them chew on something .