5 yr old grinding teeth in sleep!

[Hungrycaterpillarsmummy]

Is there any way to stop this? He grinds his teeth all the time while he's asleep and I'm sure he must be damaging them and it's also horrendous to listen to!
Help!

Suggest to consult a dentist. No advice but ds used to do this age 4/5 and dentist says it’s a normal reaction to a growing jaw. He’s stopped now aged nearly 7.

Most children grow out of it , however large tonsils, adenoids , blocked nose,airway issues can also cause grinding.

Mouth guard.

if it started around the time he started school it could be stress

Dentist won’t give mouth guard to mine because they’re still growing. Mine was older - dentist said to reduce stress. Didn’t explain how I should do that though!

I don't think he is stressed. He has done this since he's had teeth really!
Good to hear kids grow out of it..fingers crossed!

My child does this too. Our dentist says there is no point in doing anything for baby teeth, but will arrange a mouth guard if still happening when the adult teeth come in as they need protecting more.

That's interesting to hear, @EmmasDilemmas . My dentist wouldn't give a mouth guard for adult teeth, even though they're already quite worn, before 16 years. I think I will go and get a second opinion!

No dentist will provide a mouth guard for a child whilst they are still growing as it affects jaw growth and will act like a brace.

Certainly not until late teens or early twenties when a males jaw finishes most of its growth. Your dentist is quite correct .

If adult teeth are already very worn I would check diet , do they drink a lot of acid drinks eg even diet fizzy drinks , energy drinks , fruit juice etc as acid is often a large contributor to wear in teens ? Acid combined with grinding really wears teeth down quickly.

GrindIng teeth can be a sign of stress so worth investigating.

Discuss with a dentist and take their advice.

I mean, I've asked him he is worried about anything or feels sad about anything and he says no. Seems happy and content to me. How else can I figure out if it's "natural" or stress/anxiety?