Night Guards for Kids
at Kids Teeth in Mt. Pleasant
If you’ve heard grinding sounds from your child while they sleep or noticed their teeth look worn, it’s easy to worry. You might also see signs like jaw pain or headaches when they wake up. These changes can raise questions about what’s normal and what needs attention. At Kids Teeth, we help you find answers. Our pediatric dentists check for grinding, clenching, and other patterns during regular checkups. When needed, we design a custom night guard that fits their smile and protects it during sleep. With two offices in Mt. Pleasant — Johnnie Dodds and Park West — we’re ready to help when you’re ready to explore next steps.
Why Night Guards Matter for Kids
Grinding and clenching — called bruxism — put real pressure on growing teeth. Over time, your child’s grinding can wear down enamel, chip teeth, or strain the jaw. Some kids show no pain; others wake with tight jaws or sore cheeks. Bruxism may relate to stress, bite alignment, or sleep issues, and we look for all of those.
A custom night guard helps by creating a smooth barrier between the upper and lower teeth. It helps prevent damage while your child grows. At Kids Teeth, we focus on comfort, fit, and long-term protection so kids can sleep better — and so can you.
Signs Your Child May Need a Night Guard
Parents often notice signs before their child does:
- You may hear grinding or clenching at night.
- You might see teeth that look flat or worn, or find edges that feel rough or chipped.
- Some kids wake up with sore spots in the jaw or headaches that don’t seem to come from illness.
At Kids Teeth, we also look for wear during checkups. If we see enamel thinning, small cracks, or gum recession, we check further. Not all cases need a night guard. But when discomfort, wear, or other symptoms show up, we bring it to your attention and discuss whether a night guard helps.
How We Evaluate Teeth Grinding at Kids Teeth
Every child’s case starts with an exam and a full review of their story. We ask about sleep, habits, stress, activity level, and any past dental issues. Your answers help us understand the bigger picture.
Then, we look closely at each tooth, check bite alignment, and feel jaw muscles for soreness or tightness. If we see signs that suggest an airway issue, imbalance, or other concern, we discuss next steps.
The decision for a night guard is never based on sound alone. We look at all the signs — teeth, symptoms, and your child’s growth stage — before we offer a plan.
What Is a Custom Night Guard?
A custom night guard is a small, removable device that fits over your child’s teeth. It cushions the bite during sleep and keeps upper and lower teeth from grinding against each other.
We design each one using digital scans taken at our office. This gives a better fit than store-bought guards, which often feel bulky or shift during sleep. With the right fit, your child can wear it comfortably and get better rest.
Custom night guards at Kids Teeth are made for your child’s bite. Some fits cover the top teeth; others cover the bottom, depending on what’s most stable. The materials are strong enough to protect, but light enough to be easy to wear.
Steps to Getting a Custom Night Guard at Kids Teeth
We start with a consultation. We explain what we’re seeing and how a night guard might help. If you decide to move forward, we take digital scans of your child’s teeth. It’s comfortable for your child and only takes a few minutes.
We send those records to a trusted lab that uses them to make the guard. They shape the material based on your child’s bite and our prescription. Once we receive the finished guard, we schedule a fitting visit.
At the fitting, we check how it feels, how it sits on each tooth, and how the bite lines up. We make small changes, if needed, and show you and your child how to put it in, take it out, and care for it each day.
Helping Your Child Adjust to a Night Guard
New habits take a bit of practice. Wearing a night guard feels different at first, so we suggest short times at home during calm moments. Try placing it while your child watches a show or reads a favorite book.
We encourage families to focus on the benefits — protecting teeth and avoiding future discomfort. If your child reports a sore spot or it feels too tight, we want to hear from you. We can check the fit and adjust it.
Kids Teeth gives step-by-step tips based on your child’s age and response. We work with you to make the new routine feel easier.
Daily Care for Night Guards
Good care every day helps the night guard last and stay safe. After your child removes it in the morning, rinse it with cool water. Use a soft toothbrush and gentle cleaner, if recommended.
Keep the guard in a ventilated case when not in use — away from pets and heat. Don’t use hot water or bleach, which can change the shape or weaken the material.
We check the guard at each office visit to see if the fit still works. If your child’s mouth grows or teeth shift, we’ll talk about adjusting or replacing it when needed.
Night Guards and Orthodontic Treatment
As kids grow, new teeth come in and bites change. We factor that into every night guard design. We track whether a new tooth affects the fit or bite and decide whether to change the guard.
If your child starts braces, we may pause night guard use or plan a new one after treatment ends. We work closely with trusted orthodontists in Mt. Pleasant to keep protection and growth plans in sync.
At every step, we adjust based on what your child needs.
Night Guard Visits at Our Mt. Pleasant Offices
You can access care at either of our Mt. Pleasant offices — Johnnie Dodds or Park West. Both offer the same quality care, digital scans, exams, and follow-ups.
Our Johnnie Dodds location works well for families near the center of town or downtown Charleston. Park West fits families in the northern neighborhoods. You can choose the location based on what works best for you.
If your routine changes, you can shift between offices without losing progress or wait time. Both offices are easy to find, and you can explore directions and photos ahead of time on our site.
FAQs About Night Guards
Is grinding at night normal?
Some grinding is common in kids. Light grinding that causes no wear or pain may not need care. But if it causes problems, a night guard can help.
At what age can my child use a night guard?
We wait until the teeth fully erupt for a good fit. One of our pediatric dentists can check to see if your child is ready.
Will a night guard stop the grinding itself?
The goal is to protect the teeth and jaw. Grinding might still happen, but the damage gets reduced.
Can we try a store-bought version first?
Store-bought guards often don’t fit well. A loose guard can feel uncomfortable or even cause other issues, which is why we recommend a custom-fit nightguard designed specifically for your child.
How long will my child need it?
Each child is different. We track changes and adjust the plan based on how their teeth and bite change.
Take Action to Protect Your Child’s Teeth Today
If you hear grinding or see wear on your child’s teeth, don’t wait for discomfort to grow. We can evaluate the issue and walk you through simple, effective solutions that fit your child’s age and growth. Now’s the time to protect their smile and stop damage before it builds. Start the conversation with our team here and schedule an appointment at either our Johnnie Dodds or Park West office. We’re here to help you protect what matters most — your child’s healthy, growing smile.