Teeth grinding in children, also called bruxism, is common and in most cases it is a normal part of growing up rather than a sign that something is wrong. Many kids grind or clench their teeth during sleep at some point, particularly between the ages of three and six, and the large majority grow out of it as their baby teeth make way for adult teeth and their jaw continues to develop.
Key Takeaways
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) in kids is common, especially during sleep, and most children outgrow it without any treatment
- In young children it is usually linked to jaw growth, teething discomfort, or a bite that is still settling, rather than stress
- Mild wear on baby teeth from grinding is common and does not automatically need active treatment
- Signs worth checking include visible flattening or chipping of teeth, jaw soreness, headaches, or grinding alongside snoring and mouth breathing
- Regular dental check-ups let your dentist track wear over time and pick up on anything that needs a closer look
- Night guards are rarely used in young children who still have baby teeth, since their bite is constantly changing shape
As a general rule, teeth grinding in a child under about six with no other symptoms is usually part of normal jaw and bite development and does not need treatment. Grinding alongside snoring, mouth breathing, daytime tiredness, or jaw pain is worth mentioning to your dentist or GP.
What causes teeth grinding in children?
Bruxism in kids is usually multifactorial, and it is rarely a single cause. A few of the more common contributors include:
- Jaw and bite development. As baby teeth erupt and the jaw grows, the bite is not always perfectly aligned. Grinding may be the mouth's way of testing and adjusting how the upper and lower teeth meet.
- Teething discomfort. Grinding can be a response to the pressure or itchiness of teeth coming through, similar to how babies chew on teething rings.
- An immature nervous system during sleep. Grinding tends to happen during lighter stages of sleep and is thought to relate to normal childhood sleep patterns rather than anything more serious.
- Airway and breathing factors. Some research links grinding in children to mouth breathing, snoring, or enlarged tonsils and adenoids that partially obstruct the airway during sleep.
Unlike bruxism in adults, which is often connected to stress or clenching from tension, grinding in young children is not usually a stress response. It is more often a developmental or physical process that resolves on its own.
Is it normal, or something to worry about?
For most children, grinding is harmless and temporary. Parents often notice the sound at night and are understandably alarmed, but a dentist examining the teeth can usually reassure you that some wear on baby teeth is expected and not a cause for concern by itself.
That said, a few signs suggest it is worth getting checked rather than just watching and waiting:
- Visible flattening, chipping, or shortening of the front teeth
- Complaints of jaw pain, soreness, or a clicking jaw joint on waking
- Frequent headaches, particularly in the morning
- Grinding that is loud, frequent, or seems to disturb your child's sleep
When grinding might point to a sleep or airway issue
If grinding happens alongside snoring, mouth breathing, restless sleep, or your child seems unusually tired during the day, it is worth raising with your GP or paediatrician as well as your dentist. Sleep-disordered breathing and enlarged tonsils or adenoids are sometimes associated with bruxism in children, and addressing the underlying airway issue can help the grinding settle. This is not the case for every child who grinds their teeth, but it is a pattern clinicians are trained to look out for.
What you can do at home
There is no need to try to physically stop a young child from grinding at night, and trying to intervene mid-sleep is not recommended. Instead, focus on the basics that support healthy sleep and jaw comfort generally:
- Keep a calm, consistent bedtime routine, since overtiredness can sometimes make grinding more noticeable
- Manage teething discomfort during the day with age-appropriate comfort measures your pharmacist or GP recommends
- Keep an eye on mouth breathing or snoring and mention it at your child's next check-up
- Avoid giving young children hard lollies or excessive screen time close to bed, as general good sleep hygiene supports healthier sleep patterns overall
If your child is already resistant to having their teeth brushed, that is a separate but related challenge worth tackling, since a good hygiene routine matters more when there is extra wear on the teeth. Our guide on what to do when your toddler won't let you brush their teeth has some practical strategies.
When to see a dentist
Routine dental check-ups are the best way to monitor grinding in children, since a dentist can measure wear against previous visits and tell you whether it is progressing at a normal or unusual rate. Bring up any grinding you have noticed, even if your child has not complained of any discomfort, so it can be documented and tracked.
If your child is due for a new electric toothbrush, starting one early can help build good habits around a mouth that may already be working a bit harder than usual from grinding. Our article on when to start an electric toothbrush for kids covers what age is appropriate.
What treatment looks like if needed
Most children with bruxism do not need any active treatment, and the grinding typically fades as adult teeth come through and the jaw finishes growing. In the small number of cases where wear is more significant or an underlying cause is identified, your dentist may:
- Monitor wear at each check-up with photos or notes to compare over time
- Refer to a GP, ENT specialist, or sleep physician if an airway issue is suspected
- Discuss a custom night guard for older children or teens with permanent teeth, once the bite has stabilised enough for a guard to be appropriate
Night guards are used cautiously in growing children, since a guard fitted too early can interfere with the natural development of the jaw and bite. If your family already uses a guard or retainer, proper care matters, and our guide on how to clean a retainer or night guard is a useful reference.
Frequently asked questions
At what age is teeth grinding most common in children?
Grinding is most often reported in children between roughly three and six years old, coinciding with active jaw growth and the presence of a full set of baby teeth. It tends to reduce in frequency as children move through primary school age.
Does teeth grinding in kids mean they are stressed?
Not usually, at least not in young children. Stress-related grinding is more typically discussed in adults and older teens. In younger kids, grinding is more often linked to jaw development, teething, or sleep patterns than to anxiety or stress.
Will grinding damage my child's baby teeth permanently?
Mild wear on baby teeth from grinding is common and generally does not cause lasting problems, since those teeth will eventually be replaced by adult teeth. Your dentist can reassure you at check-ups whether the wear seen is within a typical range.
Should my child wear a mouthguard for grinding?
Mouthguards or night guards are rarely recommended for young children with baby teeth still present, because their bite changes constantly as new teeth erupt. Guards are considered more often in older children or teens with a stable adult bite and noticeable wear.
Can teething cause teeth grinding?
Yes, discomfort from teething is thought to be one contributor to grinding in younger children, alongside broader jaw development. It typically settles once the teething phase passes.
When should I take my child to a dentist about grinding?
Book a check-up if you notice visible wear, chipping, jaw pain, frequent headaches, or if the grinding occurs alongside snoring or mouth breathing. Otherwise, mentioning it at your child's regular six-monthly check-up is usually sufficient.
If you have noticed grinding, wear on your child's teeth, or you are simply due for their next check-up, the team at Lumi Dental can take a look and talk you through what is normal for their age. See our current offers or book with a general dentist in Melrose Park.
