Dentist Near Me for Kids: Are Nightguards the Key to Peaceful Sleep?

May is Better Sleep Month, which makes it the perfect time to consider how well your kids are resting at night. Teeth grinding and clenching—which is called bruxism—can put a damper on both their sleep and their health. Understanding and managing this condition can ensure your child enjoys the sleep they need to grow and thrive. Waxhaw’s Carrington Square Dental offers the solution: dental nightguards. Learn how these oral appliances cultivate better sleep. 

Get to Know the Signs of Bruxism 

The Mayo Clinic reports that teeth grinding and jaw clenching are common in children and can run in families. If you or another family member has struggled with bruxism, keep an eye out for signs in your child:

• Pain: Have they complained of headaches, earaches, or toothaches with no specific origin?
• Stiffness: Do they have trouble opening their mouth or mention that their jaw feels funny?
• Sensitivity: Do they wince at or avoid their favorite cold drink or hot food?
• Dental Problems: Has your child come to Carrington Square Dental to treat worn down or cracked teeth?
• Fatigue: Is your little one always tired despite seemingly sleeping long enough to be rested?
• Noise: Can you hear grinding noises at night or during naptime?

Our dentist for kids in Waxhaw, NC, might also spot signs of it during cleanings and checkups. 

Freedom from the Nightly Grind

Nightguards are custom-fitted, BPA-free plastic trays that your child wears over their teeth during sleep. This device creates a barrier, preventing the teeth from touching. Nightguards for children can significantly improve sleep quality, alleviate jaw pain, and prevent tooth damage. Better sleep also means improved behavior, concentration, and overall health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the role childhood sleep has in preventing diabetes, mental health issues, and even injuries. 

Dentist for Kids Near Me: Adjusting to a Nightguard

Your little one might be hesitant about a night guard. After all, it means sleeping with a strange piece of plastic in their mouth! But with the right approach, you can make this transition smoother. 

• Start with Short Periods: Have your child wear the nightguard briefly during the day to get used to the feel of it. Work up until they are comfortable wearing it all night. 
• Positive Reinforcement: Praise their efforts and maybe introduce a reward system for nights they successfully wear it. 
• Create a Routine: Incorporating the nightguard into your child’s bedtime routine helps them see it as just another part of preparing for bed. 
• Ensure Comfort: Discomfort from a poor fit is a common reason children resist wearing nightguards. Follow up with our dentist for kids for adjustments if necessary. 
• Educate and Empower: Kids don’t need to be kept in the dark about their health. Explain why they need to wear the nightguard, focusing on the benefits. 

Find a Nightguard Dentist Near Me for Kids at Carrington Square Dental

Celebrate Better Sleep Month by addressing your child’s bruxism with the help of a qualified dentist from Carrington Square Dental in Waxhaw, NC. Together, we can pave the way to improving your little one’s sleep quality and overall health. Restful, uninterrupted sleep will set them up for a lifetime of good health and happiness. Contact us today for a nightguard consultation.