Dr. Yury Slepak, DDS
Board-certified pediatric dentist, Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Custom Night Guards for Kids
Custom Night Guards for Kids: Effective Solutions for Teeth Grinding at Bite Squad Dental of NYC
If you hear your child grinding at night or notice worn or sensitive teeth, a custom night guard cushions the teeth so grinding stops wearing them down. We look at why it is happening first, then fit a guard made for your child's mouth. Children often experience teeth grinding (bruxism), which can lead to discomfort and long-term dental issues. At Bite Squad Dental of NYC, our team of experienced pediatric dental professionals offers custom-made night guards as a gentle and effective solution to protect your child's teeth and ensure restful sleep. Conveniently located at 2464 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11223, we pride ourselves on providing compassionate, kid-friendly care tailored to your child's needs.
Dr. Slepak is a pediatric dentist with over a decade of experience. Immediately following his graduation from the New York University College of Dentistry with Honors, Dr. Slepak continued his training at Maimonides Medical Center in the Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program.
During his training, he mastered his knowledge and skills in the treatment of children of all ages.
What Grinding Does, and How a Guard Helps
Many children grind their teeth (bruxism), and a lot of it passes on its own. When it is wearing down enamel, causing jaw soreness, or disrupting sleep, a custom night guard made from a mold of your child's teeth absorbs the force so the teeth are protected. We also check for causes like bite issues or airway problems, so we treat the reason, not just the symptom.
What is Bruxism, and Why Does It Happen in Kids?
Bruxism is a condition where children clench or grind their teeth, often while they sleep. This behavior is relatively common and can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Stress or Anxiety
Misaligned Teeth
Underlying Medical Conditions
Occasional teeth grinding is not usually harmful and may even resolve on its own as your child grows. However, persistent bruxism can result in more serious dental issues. Identifying the root cause and seeking appropriate care can help prevent long-term problems.
Signs Your Child May Need a Night Guard
If you notice the following signs, it might be time to consider a night guard:
Complaints of sore jaw or headaches upon waking up.
Unusual wear or flattening of the teeth.
Chipped or cracked teeth without apparent cause.
Grinding sounds during sleep that are loud enough to disturb others.
If you notice these signs, it's important to consult with our experts to determine if a night guard might benefit your child.
How Do Night Guards Work?
Night guards are custom-made dental appliances worn while sleeping. They act as a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth. This prevents damage caused by grinding or clenching and reduces strain on the jaw. At Bite Squad Dental of NYC, we ensure each night guard is comfortable and fits perfectly for your child.
How to Care for Your Child's Night Guard?
Use warm water and a soft toothbrush to gently clean the guard. This removes debris and keeps it fresh.
Occasionally, clean the guard with non-abrasive toothpaste or a special night guard cleaner. This helps remove tough stains without damaging the material.
Soak the night guard in a dentist-recommended antibacterial solution once a week to prevent bacteria and plaque buildup.
Keep the night guard in a case with ventilation holes. This allows air to circulate, reducing the risk of bacterial growth.
Do not expose the guard to hot water or direct sunlight. These can warp the material and affect the fit.
Store the night guard out of reach of pets. Many pets are attracted to the material and may chew on it.
What Makes Our Night Guards Special?
At Bite Squad Dental of NYC, we are dedicated to providing a stress-free and effective experience for children. Our night guards are thoughtfully designed to ensure comfort, safety, and durability.
Custom Fit
We use advanced technology to create night guards that fit snugly and comfortably. Each guard is customized to suit your child's unique dental structure.
Child-Friendly Materials
Our night guards are crafted from durable, BPA-free materials. These materials are specifically chosen to ensure they are safe for children's use.
Gentle Process Designed for Kids
Our process is designed with your child's comfort in mind. After a friendly consultation, we take detailed impressions of their teeth. This ensures both accuracy and a secure fit for the night guard.
Kid-Centered Care
Our team is highly experienced in working with children. We prioritize making each step of the process comfortable and easy to understand for both kids and parents.
Tips From Our Experts: How To Prevent Bruxism in Children?
In addition to night guards, there are steps you can take to reduce teeth grinding:
Help your child relax before bedtime with calming activities like reading or listening to music.
Ensure they have a consistent sleep routine to promote restful sleep.
Address any stress or anxiety they may be experiencing through open communication or professional support.
Schedule regular dental checkups to monitor their oral health and bite alignment.
Meet Our Dentists
Dr. Jessica Borukhova, DDS
Board-certified pediatric dentist
Dr. Yelena Gofman, DDS
Schedule Your Child's Dental Visit
Call (718) 998-2424 or request an appointment online.
Request a Free Consultation
Schedule Your Child's Night Guard Consultation Today!
Protect your child's smile from teeth grinding with a custom night guard from Bite Squad Dental of NYC. Our kid-friendly team ensures a comfortable experience and lasting solutions for bruxism. Visit us at 2464 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11223, or call today to schedule an appointment. Together, we can keep your child's teeth healthy and strong!
Pediatric Night Guards Near You in Brooklyn
Bite Squad Dental of NYC is located at 2464 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11223, and we fit custom night guards for families across Sheepshead Bay, Brighton Beach, Coney Island, Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Midwood, Flatbush, Borough Park, Canarsie, and Bay Ridge. If your child grinds their teeth at night or wakes with a sore jaw, our team is here to help.
Noticing nighttime grinding?
Call us to schedule a custom night guard consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child grow out of bruxism?
While many children outgrow bruxism as they age, it's important to monitor their oral health and consider a night guard in the meantime to prevent potential dental damage.
How often should the night guard be replaced?
Night guards typically need to be replaced every 1 to 2 years. This time frame depends on factors such as how much wear the guard experiences and whether your child's teeth or jaw have grown or changed.
Can my child use an over-the-counter night guard?
Over-the-counter night guards are not recommended for children. These guards are not custom-fitted, which can result in an improper fit and inadequate protection.
Is it normal for toddlers to grind their teeth while sleeping?
It's not uncommon, but it shouldn't be ignored. We look for signs like enamel wear, jaw pain, or headaches. If the grinding persists beyond age 4, intervention may be needed. Some children outgrow it naturally, but if it's causing damage we can fit a custom night guard or recommend habit treatment.
What does it mean when a child grinds their teeth while sleeping?
Teeth grinding in children can happen for a number of reasons. We look for signs like enamel wear, jaw pain, or headaches to determine whether it's causing damage. A custom night guard protects teeth from grinding damage, and we continue to monitor until the grinding resolves. If it persists, we assess whether habit-breaking appliances or other interventions are needed.
How to stop a child from grinding their teeth while sleeping?
We look for signs of teeth grinding, also called bruxism, such as enamel wear, jaw pain, or headaches. If grinding is confirmed, Dr. Slepak will customize a night guard to the child's bite, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. The guard protects teeth from grinding damage, but the habit may continue, so we monitor until the grinding resolves, which can take a few months to years.
Is grinding something to worry about?
Often it is mild and outgrown. We pay attention when it is wearing teeth, causing pain, or affecting sleep. We examine your child, explain what we see, and only recommend a guard when it will actually help.
✓ Medically reviewed by Dr. Yury Slepak, DDS, Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist | 20+ Years Experience | Last Updated: June 2026
Medical Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your individual needs.
