My 5 year old daughter keeps grinding her teeth while sleeping. i tried opening her mouth but is so hard, sometimes when she chews i can hear it too. is there anything i can do to prevent this?

Teeth grinding may be related to a sleep disturbance. Establish a bedtime routine, such as recommended by the AAP: bath, bedtime story and bedtime at a regular time each night. Avoid electronic devices and the TV just two hours prior to bedtime. Watch for snoring and log her pattern of sleep and snoring for discussion with your Pediatrician. An Annual Pediatric Dental examination is recommended.

Have her evaluated by a PEDODONTIST[ [children dentist], she may need a bite plate designed for children.

Night grinding of teeth in a 5 year old is a sign of airway related sleep disturbances. These disturbances have negative health impacts and can even affect cognitive development and memory. Studies at Jons Hopkins, the U of Chicago, and Stanford have all shown those issues. A qualified dentist/orthodontist/pediatric dentist are the most likely to understand and treat theses issues, but many don't

its of reasons for grinding. Airway insufficiency due to narrow palate or retrusive lower jaw. Sleep apnea. Backing up the computer; kids learn so much daily that they have to review it while asleep. Uneven boney growth resulting in changes in occlusion. Please see a Pedodontist or Orthodontist to asses growth and a Pulmonologist to evaluate airway.