Pediatric Mouthguards in San Jose

Pediatric mouthguards are protective devices worn over the teeth to prevent injury during sports or activities where there is a risk of dental trauma. They are especially important for children with a high risk of falls or collisions in contact sports or activities.

Mouthguards for children are also designed to protect their teeth from habits like teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Many individuals with this condition are unaware of it, as it often occurs during sleep.

While stress is a common cause of teeth grinding in adults, it is not always the case for children. Other potential causes of teeth grinding in children include allergies, earaches, mouth irritation, hyperactivity, and poorly aligned teeth. Bruxism in children is often multifactorial, making it important to understand possible causes to determine effective treatments.

Signs that your child may be grinding their teeth include a sore jaw, dull headaches, fractured, chipped, or broken teeth, toothaches, and loose teeth. Detecting these symptoms early can lead to early diagnosis and treatment. Although mouthguards for children do not treat teeth grinding, they do help reduce the forces on the teeth during sleep, minimizing damage.

The most effective way to permanently address bruxism is by identifying and addressing its underlying cause. For instance, orthodontic treatments can correct teeth grinding caused by a bad bite. Early intervention to address the root cause of bruxism can ultimately save parents money and time over the long term.