What to Do If Your Child Grinds Their Teeth
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is the involuntary clenching and grinding of teeth, and in children it most often happens during sleep. It is common in young children, and most outgrow it by the time their permanent teeth are fully in. Prolonged or severe grinding can still wear down enamel, chip teeth or contribute to jaw pain, so mention it at your child's next checkup and let the dentist assess the wear.
Orion Dental Team
Led by Dr. Fahimay Naqvi
If you've ever heard a harsh grinding sound coming from your child's room at night, you know how unsettling it can be. Teeth grinding — medically known as bruxism— is the involuntary clenching and grinding of teeth, most commonly during sleep. While it sounds alarming, it's actually one of the more common childhood dental conditions, and in many cases, children outgrow it without any lasting damage.
That said, not all grinding is harmless. Severe or prolonged bruxism can wear down enamel, damage teeth, and cause jaw pain. At Orion Dental's children's dentistry practice in Scarborough and Milton, we help parents understand when grinding is a phase and when it needs professional attention.
Common
in young children
Ages 3–6
when parents often notice it
Often
outgrown without treatment
Night
when grinding typically occurs
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for involuntary teeth grinding and jaw clenching. It can happen during the day (awake bruxism), but in children it most commonly occurs during sleep (sleep bruxism). The child is usually completely unaware they're doing it — parents typically discover it by hearing the grinding sound or noticing wear on the teeth during a dental checkup.
Sleep bruxism is classified as a sleep-related movement disorder. It tends to occur during lighter stages of sleep and may be associated with other sleep behaviours like snoring or sleep talking. In children, bruxism is particularly common between ages three and six, when baby teeth are still developing and the bite is changing.
What Causes Children to Grind Their Teeth?
There is rarely a single cause of bruxism in children. Instead, it's usually a combination of physical, psychological, and developmental factors:
| Factor | How It Contributes | What Parents Can Do |
|---|---|---|
| Stress & Anxiety | Worries about school, friends, or family changes manifest as nighttime grinding | Create a calming bedtime routine; address the source of stress |
| Bite Misalignment | Uneven contact between upper and lower teeth triggers involuntary grinding | Schedule a dental assessment to evaluate the bite |
| Teething & Tooth Eruption | Discomfort from emerging teeth may cause grinding as a self-soothing response | Monitor; usually resolves once teething is complete |
| Earaches & Pain | Children may grind in response to ear pressure or jaw-area discomfort | See a physician to rule out ear infections |
| Sleep Factors | Mouth breathing, snoring, or sleep apnoea can contribute to bruxism | Discuss with your dentist or physician if sleep issues are suspected |
Stress Is a Common Factor
While we often think of stress as an adult problem, children experience significant stress too — from starting a new school, conflicts with friends, parental arguments, a new sibling, or even being over-scheduled with activities. Children may not be able to articulate their worries, so the tension comes out physically, often as teeth grinding during sleep. A calm, consistent bedtime routine and open conversations about the day can help.
The Effects of Untreated Bruxism
Occasional, mild grinding rarely causes lasting damage. However, if your child grinds frequently and intensely, the effects can accumulate over time:
Potential Consequences
- Worn-down tooth enamel, exposing the softer dentin layer underneath
- Flattened or shortened teeth that lose their natural shape
- Chips, cracks, or fractures — especially on baby teeth with thinner enamel
- Increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Jaw pain, soreness, or stiffness (particularly in the morning)
- Headaches, especially around the temples
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) in severe cases
Your dentist can identify grinding-related damage during regular comprehensive checkups — often before your child experiences any symptoms. This is one of the many reasons regular dental visits are so important, even when everything appears fine on the surface.
Think Your Child May Be Grinding?
A quick dental assessment can identify wear patterns and determine whether treatment is needed.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Since bruxism typically happens during sleep, your child may not even realise they're doing it. Here are the signs parents should look for:
How to Identify Bruxism in Your Child
Listen at Night
Grinding produces a distinctive scraping or crunching sound. Check on your child periodically during the first hour or two of sleep.
Morning Complaints
Ask if their jaw feels sore, stiff, or tired in the morning. Headaches upon waking are another red flag.
Check the Teeth
Look for teeth that appear flatter, shorter, or chipped. Worn-down edges on the front teeth are a common sign.
Dental Confirmation
Your dentist can identify wear patterns, enamel loss, and bite changes that confirm bruxism during a routine exam.
Treatment Options for Children's Bruxism
Treatment depends on the severity, the child's age, and whether permanent teeth are involved. In many cases, the recommended approach is careful monitoring. For more significant cases, several treatment options are available:
Monitoring
For mild grinding in young children with baby teeth, the dentist may recommend watching and waiting. Most children outgrow the habit.
Custom Night Guard
A custom-fitted dental appliance worn during sleep that cushions the teeth and helps limit grinding damage. Generally suited to older children with permanent teeth.
Stress Management
If anxiety is a contributing factor, a calming bedtime routine, relaxation exercises, or professional counselling may help reduce grinding.
Bite Adjustment
If misalignment is contributing to bruxism, orthodontic evaluation may be recommended to address the underlying bite issue.
Sleep Hygiene
Improving sleep habits — consistent bedtime, no screens before sleep, comfortable sleep environment — can reduce the frequency of grinding.
Treat Underlying Conditions
If ear infections, allergies, or airway issues are contributing, treating those conditions may reduce or eliminate the grinding.
When to See a Dentist
While many children outgrow bruxism naturally, you should schedule a dental appointment if you notice any of the following:
Time to Visit the Dentist
- Grinding sounds are loud, frequent, or occurring most nights
- Your child complains of jaw pain, headaches, or earaches in the morning
- You notice visible wear, chips, or changes in the shape of their teeth
- Your child reports tooth sensitivity to temperature or certain foods
- The grinding persists beyond the age when most baby teeth have been replaced
- You suspect stress, anxiety, or sleep-related issues may be contributing
Get Professional Guidance
Teeth grinding in children is common, but it shouldn't be ignored — especially when it persists or causes visible damage. Our children's dentistry team at Orion Dental can evaluate your child's teeth for signs of grinding, discuss the likely causes, and recommend the most appropriate course of action. If a night guard is needed, we create custom-fitted night guards designed for comfort and effectiveness.
Book a dental assessment at our Scarborough or Milton office. Book an appointment or call 416-291-0306 (Scarborough) / 905-636-9770 (Milton).
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about children's teeth grinding
Is it normal for children to grind their teeth?
Yes. Teeth grinding (bruxism) is common in children, particularly during sleep. Most children outgrow the habit by the time their permanent teeth are fully in, without needing treatment.
What causes children to grind their teeth at night?
Common causes include stress or anxiety, misaligned teeth or an uneven bite, earaches or teething discomfort, and certain sleep patterns. In many cases, no single cause can be identified — it may be a combination of factors.
Can teeth grinding damage my child's teeth?
Prolonged or severe grinding can wear down tooth enamel, flatten the biting surfaces, cause chips or cracks, increase sensitivity, and contribute to jaw pain or TMD (temporomandibular dysfunction). That's why monitoring and early intervention are important.
Does my child need a night guard?
Not all children who grind their teeth need a night guard. Your dentist will assess the severity of the grinding, the amount of enamel wear, and your child's age. Night guards are more commonly recommended for older children with permanent teeth and significant grinding.
Will my child outgrow teeth grinding?
Most children do outgrow bruxism, particularly those who grind during the baby teeth or mixed dentition phases. However, some children continue grinding into adolescence. Regular dental monitoring helps determine whether intervention is needed.
How can I tell if my child grinds their teeth at night?
Listen for grinding sounds during sleep. Other signs include morning complaints of jaw soreness or headaches, visibly worn or flattened teeth, and increased tooth sensitivity. Your dentist can also identify wear patterns during routine checkups.
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