Yeah, that's pretty common actually, and you're spot-on about the drugstore ones. They start off okay, but after a while, they can warp or just get annoying. Teeth do shift slightly over time too—nothing dramatic, but enough to make the guard feel "off". Maybe check in with her dentist if it's been a while? Hang in there though, grinding's no fun and you're doing the right thing looking into it early.
Totally agree with checking in with the dentist. I recently got fitted for a custom guard after trying those drugstore ones, and honestly, it's been a noticeable improvement. They're pricier upfront but seem to last longer without warping or feeling uncomfortable. Also, ignoring grinding can lead to headaches or jaw soreness—I learned that the hard way. Better to tackle it early before it turns into something more serious...
I can definitely relate to this. My son started grinding his teeth at night when he was around 7, and at first I didn't think much of it—just figured it was a phase he'd outgrow. But after a few months, he started waking up complaining about headaches and his jaw feeling sore, especially in the mornings. It was honestly pretty worrying, especially since he's usually a pretty tough kid who doesn't complain much.
Anyway, we brought it up at his next dentist appointment, and the dentist explained how common teeth grinding is in kids, but also stressed that ignoring it could lead to more serious issues down the line. He recommended a custom-made mouthguard, which we hesitated about at first because of the cost (those things aren't cheap!). We tried the drugstore ones too—thinking we'd save some money—but my son found them uncomfortable and kept spitting them out during the night.
Eventually, we went back and got the custom guard made, and honestly, it's been worth every penny. He adjusted to it surprisingly quickly, and now he sleeps better and wakes up without discomfort. It's been a huge relief for both of us. I still feel a bit guilty for waiting as long as I did to take action, but I'm glad we caught it before any permanent damage was done.
So yeah, totally agree with tackling it early rather than later. Teeth grinding seems minor at first glance, but it really can affect quality of life if left unchecked.
I totally get the hesitation about the custom mouthguard—I'm actually in the middle of that exact dilemma myself. I've been grinding my teeth at night for years (according to my partner, who lovingly describes it as "listening to someone chew gravel"... charming, right?). But lately, I've been waking up with these dull headaches and a jaw that feels like I've been chewing gum nonstop for days. Honestly, it's starting to freak me out a bit.
I tried one of those cheap drugstore guards too, thinking I'd be clever and save some cash. But man, those things are like torture devices. I couldn't sleep at all, kept waking up gagging or drooling everywhere (sorry, TMI?). So now I'm debating biting the bullet (pun intended) and going for the custom one. Hearing your experience makes me feel a bit better about the cost though—sounds like it might actually be worth it.
Also, don't beat yourself up about waiting. I think most of us tend to brush off stuff like this at first because it seems minor or temporary. I mean, who hasn't ignored something health-related hoping it'll magically disappear on its own? (Guilty as charged.) The important thing is you took action before anything serious happened, and your son's feeling better now.
Your post definitely nudged me closer to making that dentist appointment I've been avoiding. And hey, if it means no more morning headaches and less gravel-chewing commentary from my partner, that's probably worth the investment...right?
"But lately, I've been waking up with these dull headaches and a jaw that feels like I've been chewing gum nonstop for days."
I had pretty much the same symptoms—headaches, sore jaw, even ear pain sometimes. My dentist pushed the custom guard hard, but I wasn't convinced at first. Ended up seeing another dentist for a second opinion who explained it better (less sales pitchy). Went with the custom guard eventually...honestly, huge difference. Maybe worth getting another opinion if you're still unsure?
