Custom nightguards from Gleam Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics help protect children’s teeth from the effects of nighttime grinding and clenching. Designed to fit comfortably, these guards reduce wear on the teeth and can help relieve jaw discomfort associated with grinding. Gleam evaluates each child individually to determine whether a nightguard is recommended.
What is a Nightguard?
Marlton’s Solution for Protecting Teeth from Nighttime Grinding
A nightguard is a custom-fitted appliance worn over the teeth during sleep to protect against the effects of bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching. Grinding can wear down tooth enamel over time, leading to sensitivity, jaw discomfort, or headaches in some children. At Gleam, nightguards are custom-made from an impression of the child’s teeth, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit that stays in place throughout the night. This is especially important for growing children, whose nightguards may need to be adjusted or replaced as their teeth and jaw develop. The team evaluates signs such as worn tooth surfaces, jaw soreness, or reports of grinding from parents to determine if a nightguard is appropriate. Nightguards are a simple, non-invasive way to protect a child’s smile while they sleep.
Benefits of Custom Nightguards
Protection Against Enamel Wear
A nightguard creates a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, helping prevent the gradual wearing down of enamel caused by grinding. This protection helps preserve the health and appearance of a child’s teeth over time. Reducing enamel wear also helps prevent increased tooth sensitivity.
Relief from Jaw Discomfort
Children who grind their teeth may experience jaw soreness, tension, or headaches, particularly upon waking. A properly fitted nightguard can help reduce this discomfort by minimizing the impact of grinding. This can lead to more restful sleep and less daytime discomfort.
Custom Comfort for Growing Mouths
Because nightguards at Gleam are custom-fitted, they are more comfortable and effective than generic options, encouraging consistent nightly use. As a child’s mouth grows and changes, the team can reassess and adjust the guard as needed. This ongoing care ensures continued protection over time.
Did You Know?
Teeth grinding in children is fairly common and often related to factors such as stress, misaligned teeth, or sleep patterns. In many cases, it improves as a child grows, but a nightguard can help protect teeth in the meantime.
Ready to Schedule
Your Appointment?
Why Choose Gleam Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics?
Gleam’s team evaluates each child individually to determine the right approach for managing teeth grinding, offering custom solutions designed for comfort and effectiveness.
Board-certified pediatric dentists experienced in diagnosing and managing bruxism in children
Members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Custom-fit nightguards designed for growing mouths
The Nightguard Fitting Process
1
Evaluation
The dentist examines the child’s teeth for signs of wear associated with grinding and discusses any symptoms, such as jaw soreness, with the parent. This evaluation helps determine whether a nightguard is recommended. Any questions about the process are addressed at this stage.
2
Impression and Fabrication
If a nightguard is recommended, an impression of the child’s teeth is taken to create a custom, well-fitted appliance. This ensures the nightguard is comfortable enough for consistent nightly wear. The fabrication process is completed with the child’s comfort and growth in mind.
3
Fit Check and Follow-Up
Once the nightguard is ready, the team checks the fit and provides instructions for use and care. Follow-up visits allow the team to monitor the child’s grinding patterns and adjust or replace the guard as needed. This ongoing care helps ensure long-term comfort and protection.
Key Findings
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is fairly common in children and often improves with age.
A nightguard helps protect enamel from the effects of nighttime grinding and clenching.
Symptoms of grinding may include jaw soreness, headaches, or worn tooth surfaces.
Custom-fitted nightguards are more comfortable and effective than generic alternatives.
Growing children may need their nightguard adjusted or replaced periodically.
Early evaluation and management of grinding can help prevent long-term enamel wear.
“A nightguard can make a real difference for a child who grinds their teeth, protecting their smile while they sleep.”
— Dr. Yani Rizo
Read Our Verified Reviews
Your Trusted Marlton Dentist
Nightguards: Protecting Teeth While Your Child Grows
Custom protective barriers cushion grinding forces and prevent long-term enamel damage
Enamel protection, symptom relief, and sleep quality improvement
Enamel & Tooth Wear Prevention
100
Jaw Pain & Headache Relief
100
Sleep Quality & Development Support
100
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
0%
50%
100%
| Benefit | Research Findings | For Your Child |
|---|---|---|
| Enamel & Tooth Wear Prevention | Four-year longitudinal clinical studies on occlusal splints (nightguards) for bruxism showed that wear measurements decreased significantly over time in patients wearing guards, with the guards functioning as a protective barrier that prevents enamel wear, fracture, and tooth sensitivity caused by grinding and clenching (Clinical Quantitative Evaluation of Tooth Wear, published in NCBI, and Delta Dental clinical evidence). nihDelta Dental | Your child’s tooth enamel is protected from grinding damage while permanent teeth develop. Nightguard cushions grinding forces, preventing wear, sensitivity, and future restorative needs. |
| Jaw Pain & Headache Relief | Nightguards absorb clenching forces and reduce tension in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and jaw muscles, helping eliminate morning jaw soreness, headaches caused by muscle tension, and ear pain associated with bruxism; children wearing custom-fitted guards report improved comfort upon waking and reduced physical discomfort from grinding (Night guard for bruxism and Pediatric Teeth Grinding & Night Guards studies). MoonzPedodonticassociates | Your child wakes without jaw pain or morning headaches. Reduced muscle tension improves comfort and quality of life. |
| Sleep Quality & Development Support | Custom nightguards improve sleep quality in children with bruxism, as poor sleep due to grinding discomfort affects mood, focus, and school performance; nightguards allow for comfortable sleep while protecting against damaging forces of grinding during the critical period of jaw and tooth development (Pediatric Night Guards and Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry studies). SaltlakepediatricdentistUvpediatricdentistry | Your child sleeps better and more comfortably. Improved rest supports better focus, mood, and performance in school, with teeth protected during growth. |
Sources: Clinical Quantitative Evaluation of Tooth Wear (NCBI, 4-year longitudinal study); Delta Dental clinical evidence on occlusal guards; Night guard for bruxism (Moonz Pediatric Dentistry, 2026); Pediatric Teeth Grinding & Night Guards (Pedodontic Associates); Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry clinical guidance
Discover the Care Your Child Deserves
Marlton’s Family Owned Home for Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
Questions Marlton Parents Ask About Pediatric Dental Care
How do I know if my child needs a nightguard?
Signs such as teeth grinding, jaw soreness, headaches, or worn tooth surfaces may indicate a nightguard is needed. The Gleam team can evaluate your child during a routine visit.
Is teeth grinding common in children?
Yes, teeth grinding is fairly common in children and often improves as they grow, though a nightguard can help protect teeth in the meantime.
Will my child need a new nightguard as they grow?
Yes. Because children’s mouths change as they grow, nightguards may need to be adjusted or replaced periodically to maintain a proper fit.
How is a nightguard different from a mouthguard?
A nightguard is designed to protect against nighttime grinding and clenching, while a mouthguard is designed to protect teeth during sports and physical activity.
How should my child care for their nightguard?
The nightguard should be cleaned regularly and stored properly when not in use. The Gleam team provides specific care instructions at the fitting appointment.