Why Do Kids Grind Their Teeth?
Reviewed by Dr. Paul Rubin
Reading time: 4 minutes
Hearing your child grind their teeth can be unsettling, especially if it happens while they sleep. In many cases, occasional teeth grinding is a normal part of childhood and does not cause lasting problems. However, persistent or severe grinding may be a sign that something else is contributing to the habit.
We care for growing smiles in Frisco, McKinney, and Prosper, TX with gentle, kid-focused dental care.
Table of Contents
Is It Normal for Kids to Grind Their Teeth?
Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is relatively common in children. It often occurs during sleep, although some children may clench or grind their teeth while they are awake.
Many children outgrow teeth grinding as they get older, particularly as their jaws and teeth continue to develop. For others, the habit may continue and require evaluation if it causes symptoms or damage.
What Causes Teeth Grinding in Children?
There is not always a single cause. Teeth grinding is often linked to several factors rather than one specific problem.
Common causes include:
- Growing jaws and changing bites: As baby teeth erupt, fall out, and permanent teeth come in, the bite is constantly changing. Some children grind their teeth as they adjust to these changes.
- Stress or anxiety: Emotional stress, excitement, or anxiety can contribute to teeth grinding in some children. Changes in routine, school, or other life events may make the habit more noticeable.
- Sleep disturbances: Children who grind their teeth sometimes have disrupted sleep. In some cases, teeth grinding has been associated with sleep-related conditions such as mouth breathing or pediatric sleep apnea.
- Mouth breathing: When a child breathes through their mouth instead of their nose, it may affect how the jaw and facial muscles function during sleep. Mouth breathing is one of several factors that may be associated with nighttime teeth grinding.
- Certain medical or neurological conditions: Less commonly, teeth grinding may be associated with certain medications, neurological conditions, or developmental disorders. These situations should be evaluated by your child’s healthcare providers.
Can Teeth Grinding Damage My Child’s Teeth?
Occasional grinding usually does not cause permanent damage. However, frequent or forceful grinding can gradually wear down the teeth.
Possible effects include:
- Flattened or chipped teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Jaw soreness
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Discomfort while chewing
The longer significant grinding continues, the greater the chance of damage to the teeth or jaw.
How To Tell if Your Child Grinds Their Teeth
Many children grind their teeth while sleeping and may not realize they are doing it.
Signs to watch for include:
- Grinding noises during sleep
- Complaints of jaw pain
- Morning headaches
- Teeth that appear worn or flattened
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Clicking or discomfort in the jaw
If you notice these signs regularly, mention them during your child’s dental visit.
Does My Child Need a Night Guard?
Most children with occasional teeth grinding do not need a night guard. Because children’s mouths and jaws are still developing, custom night guards are not routinely recommended unless there is significant tooth wear, pain, or another specific concern. Your pediatric dentist can determine whether a night guard is appropriate based on your child’s age and symptoms.
Monitoring Teeth Grinding as Your Child Grows
Teeth grinding often changes as children grow and their bite develops. Routine dental exams allow your pediatric dentist to look for signs of tooth wear, jaw changes, and other factors that may be contributing to grinding.
At Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry, we monitor your child’s oral development during regular visits and evaluate signs of bruxism, tooth wear, and bite changes. If additional evaluation is needed, we can help guide you toward the most appropriate next steps.
Pediatric Dentist in Prosper, TX
Most children who grind their teeth do not develop serious dental problems, and many outgrow the habit naturally. However, persistent grinding should not be ignored, especially if it is causing pain, tooth wear, or interrupted sleep.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Prosper, TX, call (469) 228-4402, or visit us at 240 S. Preston Road, Suite 10 Prosper, TX 75078.
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Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in Frisco, TX
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in McKinney, TX
FAQs
Teeth grinding can begin soon after the first baby teeth erupt and is commonly noticed in toddlers and young children. It may continue as permanent teeth come in.
Many children do. Teeth grinding often decreases as the jaws develop and permanent teeth erupt, although some children continue grinding into adolescence.
There is no scientific evidence that teeth grinding is a sign of intestinal worms. While this is a common myth, teeth grinding is more often related to jaw development, sleep, stress, or other factors.
Frequent grinding can strain the jaw muscles and may contribute to morning headaches or facial soreness in some children.
A dental evaluation is recommended if your child has jaw pain, headaches, worn or chipped teeth, tooth sensitivity, or grinding that continues for a long period or interferes with sleep.