Most parents discover their child grinds their teeth in the same way: lying awake at night, hearing an unexpected sound coming from their child’s room. The grinding noise can be startling, even unsettling. But here’s what brings relief to most families who walk through our doors: childhood bruxism is remarkably common, and the vast majority of kids outgrow it without any intervention.
Since 2014, our pediatric dentists at All Kids Pediatric Dentistry have helped families throughout Charlotte, Plaza Midwood, Southwest Charlotte, and Indian Trail/Monroe understand what’s happening when their children grind their teeth. While it’s natural to worry when you hear those grinding sounds, most cases don’t require treatment. The key is knowing when observation is enough and when it’s time to take action.
What Causes Children to Grind Their Teeth?
Children grind their teeth for different reasons than adults do. Young children often grind their teeth in response to physical discomfort, such as teething pain or an earache. Their jaws are constantly growing and changing, and grinding can be their body’s way of adjusting to these changes.
Stress also plays a role. Significant life events like starting school, welcoming a new sibling, or moving to a new home can trigger grinding. Even everyday stressors, such as a difficult test or friendship challenges, can cause temporary bruxism. Some children grind because their top and bottom teeth don’t yet align perfectly. As baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth come in, misalignment is common and usually temporary. Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, can also contribute to nighttime grinding.
How Can You Tell If Your Child Grinds Their Teeth?
The most obvious sign is the sound itself. If you hear grinding or clenching noises coming from your child’s room at night, bruxism is likely the cause. But not all kids grind loudly enough for parents to hear.
Watch for these other indicators:
- Complaints of jaw pain or headaches, especially in the morning
- Sensitivity when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Visible wear on the tooth surfaces
- Increased tooth sensitivity when brushing
- Tight or tired jaw muscles when they wake up
Your child might not realize they’re grinding at all. Many kids have no idea it’s happening until a parent mentions it or they visit the dentist for a routine cleaning and exam.
When Should Parents Be Concerned About Teeth Grinding?
Most childhood bruxism doesn’t require treatment. If your child grinds occasionally and shows no signs of discomfort or tooth damage, watchful waiting is usually the best approach. Many children naturally stop grinding as they mature.
You should schedule an evaluation if you notice persistent grinding, tooth damage, pain, or changes in how your child’s teeth fit together. Worn-down teeth, chips, or cracks warrant a professional assessment. If your child reports jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty eating certain foods, these symptoms suggest that grinding is affecting their quality of life.
Sleep disruption is another red flag. If your child wakes frequently at night, snores loudly, or seems excessively tired during the day despite adequate sleep time, the grinding may be related to a sleep disorder that warrants investigation.
What Treatment Options Exist for Bruxism in Children?
When treatment is necessary, we start with the simplest approaches. For stress-related grinding, creating a calming bedtime routine often helps. Reading together, gentle stretching, or quiet conversation can help children process their day and relax before sleep.
If physical discomfort like teething drives the grinding, addressing the underlying cause usually resolves the bruxism. For older children experiencing significant tooth wear or jaw pain, a custom night guard might be appropriate in select cases. These guards protect the teeth from further damage while the grinding continues.
We evaluate each child individually because what works for one doesn’t always work for another. Some kids benefit from behavior modification techniques. Others need help managing anxiety or stress through counseling or relaxation exercises. In rare cases where sleep apnea contributes to grinding, specialized treatment addresses both issues together.
How Can You Help Your Child at Home?
Creating good sleep habits supports your child’s overall oral health. Establish consistent bedtime routines, keep bedrooms cool and dark, and limit screen time before bed. These practices promote deeper, more restful sleep.
Encourage your child to relax their jaw during the day. Gentle reminders to keep their teeth apart and tongue resting against the roof of their mouth can reduce daytime clenching. During stressful periods, extra attention to emotional support makes a difference. Talk through worries, validate feelings, and help children develop healthy coping strategies.
Avoid giving your child caffeine, especially in the afternoon and evening. Caffeinated drinks can disrupt sleep quality and may increase grinding. Stay current with preventive care appointments so we can monitor any changes in your child’s teeth and catch problems early.
Find Support for Your Child’s Teeth Grinding at All Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Hearing your child grind their teeth can be worrying, but remember that most kids outgrow bruxism naturally. Regular dental visits help us track your child’s oral development and intervene only when necessary. Our team understands that every child’s situation is unique, and we take time to explain what’s happening and why.
If you’ve noticed grinding at night or your child reports jaw discomfort, schedule an appointment online at our Charlotte Plaza Midwood or Indian Trail locations. We’ll evaluate your child’s teeth, discuss your concerns, and develop a plan that works for your family. All Kids. All Smiles.
