What Parents Should Know This Back-to-School Season About Teeth Grinding and Protection
As backpacks are packed and routines reset for the school year, most parents are thinking about homework, lunches, and school supplies—not necessarily about their child’s teeth at night. But if your child grinds their teeth in their sleep, or is involved in after-school sports, a custom night guard (or sports guard) might be just as essential as pencils and notebooks.
At Dental Comfort Associates in Kearny, NJ, we often see the signs of clenching and grinding in children—and many parents are surprised to learn how early it can start.
Let’s explore whether your child really needs a night guard and what to look out for.
🦷 What Is a Night Guard, and Who Needs One?
A night guard is a custom-fitted device that covers the teeth and cushions them during sleep. While we often think of them as something adults use, kids can benefit from them too—especially if they:
- Grind or clench their teeth (bruxism)
- Complain of jaw pain or headaches in the morning
- Have visible wear on their enamel
- Have sensitive teeth with no clear cause
- Experience disturbed sleep or wake up tired
Night grinding in kids can be caused by stress (hello, back-to-school nerves!), hyperactivity, airway issues, or even misaligned teeth.
🤕 Why It Matters More Than You Think
Even in kids, nighttime grinding can lead to:
- Worn down teeth
- Cracked fillings or dental work
- TMJ (jaw joint) discomfort
- Headaches
- Trouble sleeping
And because kids often don’t feel pain at first, the damage can sneak up—just like cavities.
⚽️ What About Sports Guards?
If your child is gearing up for fall soccer, football, or any contact sport, a sports mouthguard is a must. These guards protect the teeth from impact, reduce the risk of jaw injuries, and may even help reduce the severity of concussions.
Unlike over-the-counter guards, custom-fitted sports guards from your dentist offer:
- Better comfort
- More protection
- Less interference with breathing and speaking
📚 Back-to-School = The Perfect Time to Check In
As your child settles into their school-year routine, it’s a smart time to schedule a dental exam. Dr. Nadim Saad can check for signs of grinding, evaluate jaw development, and discuss whether a night or sports guard might help protect your child’s teeth for the long haul.
📞 Ready to Get Ahead of the Grind?
If you’ve noticed signs of grinding or your child is starting a new sport this fall, don’t wait. Let us help you protect their growing smile with a custom-fitted night or sports guard.
Call Dental Comfort Associates today to schedule an appointment:
📍 837 Kearny Ave, Kearny, NJ
📞 (201) 998-1400
🌐 www.dentalcomfortassociates.com
A healthy, pain-free smile is one of the best school supplies your child can have. 💙🦷