I Can Hear My Child Grinding Their Teeth All Night!
If you’ve ever heard your child grinding their teeth while they sleep, you know how alarming—and surprisingly loud—it can be. The good news is that teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is very common in children and usually isn’t a reason for concern.
Why Do Children Grind Their Teeth?
Children may grind while new teeth are erupting or as their bite develops. Baby teeth are naturally flatter than permanent teeth, which can create a “slippery” bite. Young children may also have fewer points of contact between their upper and lower teeth, making grinding more likely.
In some cases, grinding may become more noticeable when a child has an ear or sinus infection, enlarged tonsils, or difficulty breathing comfortably during sleep. In older children, frequent grinding—especially when accompanied by snoring, mouth breathing, gasping, restless sleep, or daytime fatigue—may indicate that the airway should be evaluated.
What Should Parents Do About It?
During routine dental exams, we look for signs of grinding, including:
• Unusual wear or damage to the teeth
• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Changes in the developing bite
• TMJ concerns
• Signs that may suggest an airway issue
Most childhood grinding is self-limiting and improves as the teeth and jaws develop. In these cases, monitoring it over time may be all that’s needed.
If grinding is causing significant tooth wear, discomfort, or other concerns, treatment will depend on your child’s age and individual needs. Recommendations may include early orthodontic treatment, a palatal expander, a custom night guard for an older child, or an evaluation by an ENT, sleep study center, or other specialist.
If you’re concerned about how frequently or loudly your child grinds their teeth, mention it at their next appointment. We can examine their teeth, bite, jaw, and airway and determine whether it’s simply a normal phase or something that deserves a closer look.
