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If you’ve ever heard your child grinding their teeth while they sleep, you’re not alone – and you’re probably wondering why it happens. Dentists call this habit bruxism, and it affects many children at some point in their development. The most common reasons include jaw and tooth development, stress, or sleep patterns, and in most cases, kids outgrow it as they get older. Still, frequent or loud grinding can sometimes point to underlying issues like bite misalignment, anxiety, or even sleep apnea.
The good news? Occasional grinding is usually harmless. But if you notice worn teeth, morning jaw pain, or disrupted sleep, it’s a sign that your child may need a dental evaluation to keep their smile healthy.
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding or clenching teeth, and it often happens during sleep without a child even realizing it. Parents may first notice the sound, like a light scraping or crunching, while their child is asleep. Studies estimate that 15 - 40% of children experience nighttime bruxism at some stage.
For most kids, this habit is temporary and harmless, especially during periods of rapid growth when teeth and jaws are changing. But when grinding becomes frequent or intense, it can lead to tooth wear, headaches, or jaw discomfort. Understanding whether your child’s bruxism is just a phase, or a sign of something more, helps guide the next steps in care.
There isn’t just one cause of nighttime teeth grinding in kids. Instead, several factors can contribute:
1. Dental Development
As baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth come in, the bite can feel uneven or uncomfortable. Grinding may be a way for the jaw to self-adjust during growth spurts.
2. Stress and Anxiety
Just like adults, kids sometimes respond to stress through physical habits. Starting school, big changes at home, or even everyday worries can trigger nighttime clenching or grinding.
3. Sleep Disorders
Children with conditions like snoring, sleep apnea, or restless sleep are more likely to grind their teeth. In some cases, bruxism is the body’s response to interrupted breathing during sleep.
4. Medical and Neurological Links
Bruxism is more common in kids with ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, or those taking certain medications that affect the nervous system.
5. Lifestyle Factors
Stimulants like caffeine (soda, chocolate, energy drinks) and secondhand smoke exposure have been linked to higher rates of teeth grinding in children.
Since kids usually don’t realize they’re grinding, parents are often the first to notice. Here are the most common clues:
Occasional, mild grinding usually doesn’t cause problems, but if you’re seeing tooth wear, daily pain, or disrupted sleep, it’s a good idea to talk to your child’s dentist.
For many children, teeth grinding is a normal phase that passes as their jaws and teeth develop. But in some cases, bruxism causes real issues that need professional attention.
You should be concerned if you notice:
If any of these red flags show up, it’s essential to schedule a dental evaluation. Catching problems early prevents lasting damage to permanent teeth and ensures your child’s comfort.
A dentist can usually spot signs of bruxism during a routine exam. They’ll look for:
Parents often provide important information, too – such as hearing grinding noises at night or noticing morning discomfort. In some cases, especially if sleep apnea or other disorders are suspected, the dentist may recommend a sleep study to better understand what’s happening while the child sleeps.
The goal is to confirm whether grinding is temporary and harmless or if it requires treatment to protect the child’s teeth and overall health.
Not every child who grinds their teeth at night needs treatment. In fact, many will naturally outgrow bruxism as their jaws and teeth mature. Still, if grinding is causing discomfort or damage, there are effective ways to help:
For kids whose grinding is linked to stress or anxiety, calming bedtime routines can make a big difference. Reading together, gentle stretches, or deep-breathing exercises may reduce nighttime clenching.
A consistent bedtime, a quiet sleep environment, and limiting screen time before bed all support better rest. Children who sleep more soundly are less likely to grind.
Reducing caffeine and sugar, especially from soda, chocolate, or energy drinks, helps lower the risk of nighttime grinding.
For older children with permanent teeth, a custom night guard made by the dentist can protect enamel from wear. Over-the-counter guards are usually not recommended for kids, since their mouths are still growing.
If grinding is caused by misaligned teeth, an orthodontic evaluation may be helpful. When linked to sleep disorders like sleep apnea, a pediatrician or sleep specialist may need to be involved.
By combining lifestyle changes with professional guidance, most families find effective relief, and kids can sleep more comfortably without damaging their teeth.
The reassuring answer is yes, most children do outgrow teeth grinding. Studies show that bruxism is common in early childhood, peaks between ages 6 and 9, and often decreases as permanent teeth replace baby teeth.
In many cases, the grinding stops naturally once:
However, not all children grow out of it at the same pace. If your child is still grinding into their teens – or if grinding causes tooth wear, pain, or sleep problems – it’s best to seek dental guidance. Early monitoring ensures small issues don’t turn into lifelong habits or dental complications.
Yes. Up to 40% of children experience nighttime grinding at some point. In most cases, it’s temporary and harmless.
Common causes include dental development, stress, sleep disorders, or lifestyle factors like caffeine. Some children may also grind due to medical or neurological conditions.
Most kids outgrow bruxism as their permanent teeth come in and their bite stabilizes. It often improves by the teenage years.
Yes – if grinding is frequent or forceful, it can wear down enamel, chip teeth, or cause jaw pain. That’s when a dentist should evaluate the situation.
You can help by reducing stress, improving sleep routines, and limiting caffeine. If damage is occurring, a dentist may recommend a custom night guard for older kids.
If your child has tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, or disturbed sleep, schedule a dental exam. A dentist can determine if treatment is needed.
Nighttime teeth grinding can sound alarming, but for most children it’s just a passing phase. Still, if you notice tooth wear, jaw pain, or disrupted sleep, it’s worth taking a closer look. Addressing the problem early helps protect your child’s teeth and ensures they get the rest they need for healthy growth.
At Nova Dental Office, we work with families to identify the cause of teeth grinding and provide gentle, effective solutions. Whether your child needs simple guidance, stress management strategies, or protection for their developing smile, our team is here to help.
If you’re concerned about your child grinding their teeth at night, schedule a checkup today – and give them the comfort and confidence they deserve.