Grinding Teeth in sleep

[BlackCat]

Our DS grinds his teeth in his sleep. Is this an issue?

It can be quite loud and it goes right through me when he does it. He however just sleeps right through doing it and it doesnt seem to bother him. He has only been doing it the last couple of months.

Will he damage his teeth just grinding them together like that?

[boomba]

Ooh thats an awful noise! Dh grinds his teeth when he is really stressed.

You can get mouth gaurds for night time to stop any damage to his teeth if you are worried.

[MissEm]

In the long-term it can be an issue as it can eventually crack, weaken and break the teeth. In children it is quite common as they tend to do it when teething to help with the pain. Is he teething?

[~me~]

As MissEm has explained, it can be an issue in the long term. Does he also snore? If so, it could be worth first taking him to a Dentist for the teeth grinding and they sometimes pick up enlarged tonsils. Grinding teeth can also means he is trying to get more air in, so an ENT may even be worth looking into.

[BlackCat]

Oohh he has had a thick snotty nose lately... probably for as long as he has been grinding for so maybe thats why he has started. I would never have thought of that. He doesnt snore though and he has all his teeth bar his 6 year old molars. How long do you would you let it go for before I get it checked out more throughly? It really is a horrible noise!

[helle]

Yep. My brother grinds his teeth really bad and has worn half of his away. He's meant to wear a splint but he never does.

[Butterfly Dawn]

My DS1 grinds his teeth and DH and I fight over the cause. DH says its worms. I have read its often when a child is stressed- and I know DS1 doesnt when hes stressed. Another thing I've read is its a vitamin or mineral deficency (but I cant remeber what 1 sorry)

[~me~]

I would book an appointment with a Dentist and explain what is happening. They will be able to tell if it's causing any damage already. You could also book him into a GP and explain what has been happening. They would look at his tonsils, if you still have concerns, push for a referral for an ENT. At least then you have one and can use it if things don't improve. As I mentioned, the Dentist may even pick up something, my neighbor found out about her sons tonsils through her dentist and it was only then she realised he had been teeth grinding.