3 Yr Old Daughter Grinding Teeth at Night

Updated on March 17, 2010
E.G. asks from Fort Worth, TX
6 answers

My 3 yr old daughter is grinding her teeth a lot at night. It seems to be only when she is restless and tossing and turning in bed. When she is finally in a deep sleep she does not grind them anymore. I don't know if this is normal or not? I know she is not stressed out..but don't know what else it could be. She is getting over having a sore throat and runny nose but don't know if that is all connected. Please help. Thank you.

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S.W.

answers from Dallas on

I worked in the pediatric dental field for almost 20 years before deciding to stay home with my children. Teeth grinding is a very common concern among parents of small children. Grinding is common in young children especially when they have sinus congestion. Grinding and clenching can sometimes be a subconsious effort to relieve that congestion. Because she is so young, it would probably be a little preemptive to have a nightguard made. She also may not tolerate wearing one, they can be very uncomfortable even when custom made. Chance are, she will grow out of the grinding. Of course, you should always consult with your own dentist for his/her opinion. Good luck and I hope your daughter gets some relief soon!

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S.T.

answers from Oklahoma City on

My three year old also did this until he had his adenoids out last month, not that that is what yours needs, but i do think it is related to not being able to breath well because of being stuffy. My dr suggested a mouth gaurd if he would wear one. Might try that, but I think it is somewhat normal when they are sick.

Updated

My three year old also did this until he had his adenoids out last month, not that that is what yours needs, but i do think it is related to not being able to breath well because of being stuffy. My dr suggested a mouth gaurd if he would wear one. Might try that, but I think it is somewhat normal when they are sick.

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G.B.

answers from Boise on

teeth grinding can be caused by parasites (roundworm, pinworm),
heavy metal overload, or possibly a magnesium deficiency. Also vit B deficiency. All of these can affect the nervous system.

You can get b complex liquid drops and put them under the tounge, there is a magnesium supplement called Babycalm, and there is a product called NCD zeolite that can get rid of metals. All these are safe for youngsters.
Consult a naturopath for deworming. ( I get my families dewormer from humaworm online) I deworm us one a year, no matter what.

http://www.fungusfocus.com/html/parasites.general.info.htm
http://www.sngreen.com/book/34.htm
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=2008101223014...

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G.B.

answers from Tulsa on

Interesting ideas. I would have told you to call a Pediatric Dentist and talk to them about getting a guard. It slips over the teeth and holds her bottom jaw forward just a bit and the teeth don't meet when they grind because there is a substance between them. It protects the integrity of the tooth and prevents damage.

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D.S.

answers from Tulsa on

My son has always done it so did everyone in his dads side of the family so I assumed it was inhereted but I think the other 2 theries are interesting enough to check into.

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K.R.

answers from Dallas on

she needs a bite guard
it can cause T and J which is not pleasant

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