Your kid’s asleep, but you hear them make a subtle sound—a faint grinding. Are you imagining things? Probably not! If you’ve heard this sound coming from your child, you’re in good company. Teeth grinding (bruxism) affects up to 40% of children, and while that nighttime noise might seem concerning, understanding its causes can help you make informed decisions about your child’s health.

Grinding away oral health

Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, a behaviour commonly seen in children, especially during sleep—a condition referred to as sleep bruxism. While occasional teeth grinding is considered normal and often harmless, persistent bruxism can have more serious consequences. Over time, it can wear down tooth enamel, cause discomfort such as jaw pain, and even disrupt your child’s sleep quality.

Why quality sleep is essential for your child

Every night of deep sleep fuels your child’s growth, strengthens their immune system, and powers their brain development—from processing new skills to storing memories and managing emotions. During these crucial hours of rest, their body repairs tissues, releases growth hormones, and builds the mental foundations for tomorrow’s learning and adventures.
When teeth grinding disrupts this vital process, it creates a chain reaction that affects more than just dental health. The constant muscle tension and micro-awakenings from grinding can prevent your child from reaching the deep sleep stages where most physical and mental restoration occurs. This disruption might show up as:

By addressing teeth grinding early, you help protect your child’s teeth and overall development. Quality sleep gives them the foundation they need to grow, learn, and thrive, making daily activities and challenges more manageable.

Why do kids grind their teeth?

Understanding why your child grinds their teeth is key to finding effective solutions. Here are the common factors:

Emotional factors

Stress and anxiety are major triggers for teeth grinding. Children may grind their teeth unconsciously as a way of coping with emotional challenges, such as school pressures, social difficulties, or significant changes at home. This grinding often occurs during sleep as their body attempts to manage stress.

Physical causes

Teeth grinding in children is frequently linked to physical factors, including:

Dental development: As children’s teeth and jaws grow, occasional grinding may occur as their body naturally works to align their bite. This is often temporary and resolves once their teeth and jaws are properly aligned.

Bite misalignment: If a child’s teeth don’t fit together properly, it can put strain on the jaw muscles, causing grinding. The body may try to correct this imbalance unconsciously, leading to nighttime grinding.

Jaw size and breathing difficulty: In some cases, a child’s jaw size may contribute to difficulty breathing, especially during sleep. A smaller or misaligned jaw may restrict airflow, leading to mouth breathing or snoring, which can trigger grinding as the body attempts to find a more comfortable position during sleep.

Medical conditions: Conditions like sleep apnoea or ADHD are known to increase the risk of bruxism. Sleep apnoea, for example, disrupts breathing during sleep, causing the body to compensate by grinding teeth. Similarly, children with ADHD may experience heightened muscle activity, contributing to teeth grinding.

Long-term effects of teeth grinding?

Occasional grinding may not be a cause for concern, but persistent bruxism can have serious consequences over time, including:

Tooth damage: Excessive wear, cracks, or enamel loss, which can lead to cavities or the need for restorative dental treatments.

Jaw problems: Jaw soreness or more serious conditions like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) that can cause difficulty chewing or speaking.

Headaches: Repeated grinding creates tension in the jaw muscles, often leading to recurring tension headaches or migraines.

Sleep disruption: Bruxism can interfere with your child’s sleep, leading to fatigue, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating during the day.

Gum or soft tissue damage: Prolonged grinding can sometimes irritate or damage the surrounding gums or soft tissues./p>

What can you do about it?

Professional care options

Dental assessment: A visit to the dentist is essential for identifying bruxism early. During regular check-ups, your dentist can:

• Assess tooth wear patterns and identify potential damage from grinding.
• Evaluate jaw alignment and overall function to pinpoint any misalignments contributing to grinding.
• Detect early signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, which may arise from persistent grinding.
• Based on their findings, your dentist will recommend an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs.

Custom protection: For children with ongoing grinding issues, your dentist may suggest:

• Custom-fitted night guards: These mouthpieces help protect teeth from the damaging effects of grinding during sleep.
• Dental appliances: Special devices can help guide proper jaw alignment, reducing strain and preventing grinding.
• Ongoing monitoring: As your child grows, their dental needs may change. Regular follow-ups will ensure their treatment plan stays aligned with their development.

Home care strategies

Creating a calming environment: Encourage relaxation before bedtime to reduce stress and help your child sleep peacefully:

• Establish a consistent bedtime routine to signal it’s time to wind down.
• Dim the lights at least an hour before sleep to promote natural sleep signals.
• Use white noise or calming music to help create a peaceful sleep environment.
• Keep the bedroom cool, dark, and comfortable to foster restful sleep.

Stress relief techniques: For children who grind their teeth due to stress or anxiety, here are some gentle methods to promote relaxation:

• Introduce breathing exercises to help your child relax before bed.
• Encourage gentle stretching or calming activities like reading to ease stress.
• Keep an open dialogue with your child, allowing them to express worries and offering comfort when needed.

Lifestyle Adjustments: A few key lifestyle changes can help prevent or reduce teeth grinding:

• Limit screen time before bed to avoid overstimulation.
• Avoid caffeinated foods and drinks in the evening, as they can disrupt sleep.
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule to regulate their body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
• Ensure your child is getting enough physical activity during the day to promote restful sleep at night.

Working with healthcare providers

Coordinated care: Addressing bruxism effectively may require a team approach. Your child’s healthcare providers may include:

• Regular dental checkups to monitor progress and adjust treatment as necessary.
• Paediatrician consultations to rule out any underlying health conditions contributing to bruxism.
• Sleep specialist evaluation, if sleep-related issues are suspected.
• Behavioural therapy for stress management and coping strategies.