3 Ways Your Child’s Teeth Could Be Impacting Their Sleep

Posted on July 30, 2024

Do you ever wonder if your child’s teeth are affecting how well they sleep at night? Their teeth alignment and oral health can actually play a big role in the quality of their sleep. Keep reading to learn how your child’s teeth might be impacting their sleep and when you may need to take them to see qualified orthodontists.

1. Crooked Teeth Can Cause Discomfort

If your child has crowded or crooked teeth, it can lead to discomfort while they sleep. Their teeth may not have enough room to sit properly, causing them to shift and push against each other. This can put pressure on their jaw joints and facial muscles leading to pain and soreness. An orthodontist can assess if your child has malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth) and determine if braces or other treatments are needed to allow their teeth to fit together better. This can greatly improve their comfort while sleeping.

2. Tooth Grinding and Clenching

Does your child grind or clench their teeth at night? This is fairly common but can disrupt their sleep. According to the Sleep Foundation, 15% of adolescents grind their teeth in their sleep. The medical term is bruxism and it often happens unconsciously. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth damage, jaw pain, and headaches. Orthodontists may recommend a night guard to protect their teeth from grinding. They can also assess if misaligned teeth are contributing to the problem.

3. Misaligned Jaws and Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea, when breathing is disrupted during sleep, has also been linked to orthodontic issues. A narrow upper jaw or irregular bite can obstruct airways and make breathing difficult. Sleep apnea prevents your child from getting deep, restful sleep and can impact their mood, behavior, and learning abilities. Orthodontists can identify issues with their jaw structure, palate, or airways. They may recommend treatments like palate expanders to help open their airways and improve sleep apnea symptoms.

If your child seems tired during the day or you notice teeth grinding or discomfort at night, their teeth alignment may be to blame. Schedule an orthodontist visit to have their teeth and jaws evaluated. Orthodontists can spot issues that may be interfering with quality sleep and recommend appropriate treatments. Whether braces, expanders, or sleep guards, there are many options to get your child sleeping soundly again. Schedule an appointment with Chelian Orthodontics today to learn more and to help your child sleep better.