4 Yr Old Grinding Teeth at Night

They have things you can buy at drugstores or Wal-Mart to put in his mouth for him to wear when he goes to bed. My son used to wear one. I think its called a night guard. It was about $20 if I remember correctly maybe a bit more...

Hi L.,

I worked as an RDA in pediatric dentistry for 10 years. It is very common for kids to grind their teeth. My son is 2 an he does it as well. I don't think stress is a factor and unfortunately there isn't really anything you can do. As adults we can use a night guard to protect our teeth when we have a grinding issue, but's kids won't tolerate having something like that in their mouths. These are baby teeth....they are all going to be gone by the time your son is a teenager and he will have a brand new set.

As far as putting a coating on your son's teeth, those are sealants and they are to prevent cavities in the grooves of permanent molars. The grinding is not in the grooves of the teeth, it's on the cusps that stick up and the sealant does not get applied to that area. These are not covered by insurance on baby teeth and I would get a second opinion (from a "Pediatric" dentist) before choosing this option.

Good luck!

Hi L.,

Are you working full time outside the home, or are you a full time at home mom?

If you are working out side the home, it might be a good idea to check very carefully on what is going on in your little guy's care giving situation.

Merylyn (aka Mommie Salami... my daughter's sense of humor when she added me to this list)

Hi L.,
My 4 year old does the same thing at night and I thought it was due to him worrying about something. Well I one day went to a reflexlogist and took my son the next day. I told him that he grinds his teeth at night. He told me that he might have pin worms. I didn't want to hear that. He told me to check his bottom during the night and give him garlic he mentioned another holistic med I just can't remember what it was. I am thinking Black walnut comes to mind. Don't quote me on that. He did say most children do have pin worms especially if they are around other children at daycare, preschool etc. I had no idea. I haven't found out for sure if my son has them. I do make sure he has good hygiene. You can read more about pin worms on website www.familydoctor.org I hope I didn't gross you out. Take Care-0

Hi Lori - I am no expert, but I have been a grinder in the past. What helped me is that I actually was clenching my teeth during the day as well (most likely stress-related) and when my dentist pointed that out to me, I began to work on making sure I did not clench/grind during day (i.e. consciously leaving a space between top and bottom teeth when my mouth was closed). Then I began at night to make a conscious effort to leave my teeth apart as I feel asleep. I started to notice that when I first awoke my teeth were not in a grinding, clenched position, but were apart. I believe that I do not grind at night may more because of this. Also there are bite guards that you can purchase a pharmacies, but I do not think they "teach" you not to clench, only put something in between, but that could also be given a try. Good luck and it is good you are getting this taken care of early because I have heard that grinding can lead to TMJ pain later in life. All will be well! :o)

Have you discussed this with his pediatrician? I believe grinding the teeth can be a sign of an internal problem that may need medical attention. I know that it was believed when I was a child... many years ago... that grinding the teeth was a sign of a worm infestation in the body. I don't know if that had any factual basis, or if it was an "old wives tale".
But a check up couldn't hurt. If it is something internally causing the problem, you might save a lot of time and trouble by finding out and getting it treated.

According to my former dentist I ground my teeth for years w/o even realizing it. I had pain in my jaw during the day but no explanation for it. There are mouth guards but they're generally very expensive OR very uncomfortable. And since your son is still growing he would need a new one frequently. Therefore I would take a different approach: try to interest him in a yoga class, and maybe even a martial arts class, and try biofeedback. Yoga has helped me learn to relax enormously. And martial arts could help him bring his emotions out if he's suppressing them at all. Biofeedback is amazing, and clinically proven to help with a variety of issues. I used it for backpain and migraines, and kids respond well with it too.

Good luck!

Try having your son checked for pinworms. They can cause a child to grind their teeth at night. Other than that I have no ideas. Good luck. I am a 70 year old, mother of 4, grandmother of 8 and great grandmother of4

I have the same problem myself. I also grind my teeth at night as well. The dentist made a night guard for me so that the impact of the grinding does not wear down my teeth any futher. My molars are just about flat. But I would highly recommend that you do some kind of treatment for him because for me, due to my grinding, I get horrible headaches and my jaw pops when ever I chew. it is almost impossible for me to chew gum. My cousin in law has the same problem but her's is worse! She has to get jaw surgery in a few months. So to allieve any future or current problems, I highly recommend you do something or your little one may pay for it later. :(

I have teeth grinding children, too. Somehow, it passed with time. But, I believe a mouth guard can be made to wear at night time. Talk to your pediatrician.

Mom of 4: three teeth grinders and a baby due 10/1

my dentist said not to worry about it since it's a "phase". I don't believe it since my 8 year still grinds his teeth at night - these grinding sessions are really irritating! I'm thinking of asking for night guards the next time we go to the dentist.