Does Your Child Grind His Teeth At Night?

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night to a strange crunching or scraping sound coming from your child’s room? At first, you may think it’s the bed creaking or something falling, but then you realize — it’s your child grinding their teeth.

This habit, medically called bruxism, is more common in children than most parents realize. According to studies, up to 30% of kids grind or clench their teeth, usually at night while asleep. For some children, it’s just a passing phase, but for others, it can lead to discomfort and dental issues.

If your child shows this, try not to stress. Let’s break it down — why children grind their teeth, how to spot the signs, what it means for their health, and most importantly, what you can do as a parent.

Why Do Children Grind Their Teeth?

Children grind their teeth for different reasons, and often it’s not something they do consciously. Here are some common causes:

Growing teeth or teething pain

• When baby teeth are coming in or when permanent teeth start replacing them, kids may grind as a natural response to the discomfort.
• Think of it as their body’s way of adjusting to new teeth.

Improper bite (malocclusion)

If the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly, grinding may happen as the jaw tries to find the “right” position.

Stress and emotions

• Just like adults clench their jaw when stressed, kids can do the same.
• Starting a new school, sibling rivalry, or even excitement can sometimes trigger teeth grinding.

Sleep disturbances

Children who snore, breathe through their mouth, or have sleep disorders like sleep apnea are more likely to grind their teeth at night.

Medical reasons and medications

Conditions such as ADHD or certain medicines can increase the chances of bruxism.

Signs Your Child May Be Grinding Their Teeth

Sometimes the signs are obvious — like a loud scraping sound at night. Other times, they’re subtle and easy to miss. Here are some things you may notice if your child is grinding their teeth:

• Noises at night – grinding or clenching sounds while they sleep.
• Facial or jaw pain– especially in the morning.
• Morning headaches – frequent head pain after waking up.
• Wear and tear on teeth – enamel may appear flattened, chipped, or worn down.
• Increased tooth sensitivity – pain or discomfort when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks.
• Sleep disturbances – restless sleep, tossing and turning, or waking up tired.
• Daytime clenching – holding their jaw tight when concentrating or feeling stressed.

You might also notice them clenching their jaw during the day when concentrating or feeling anxious.

Is It Something to Worry About?

The comforting news is that for many children, teeth grinding is only a short-term phase. As they grow older, the habit usually fades away. By the teenage years, most children no longer experience it.

But, it’s not something to ignore completely. Persistent grinding can lead to:

• Dental damage — worn enamel, chipped, or loosened teeth.
• Cavities and sensitivity due to enamel loss.
• Jaw pain or TMJ problems (jaw joint issues).
• Interrupted rest — which can influence behavior, concentration, and classroom performance.

So, while occasional grinding may not be harmful, if it’s regular and causing symptoms, it’s worth paying attention to.

What Parents Can Do at Home?

Here are some helpful steps you can try if you’ve observed your child grinding their teeth:

1. Observe and keep notes

Begin by observing closely—how frequently does the grinding occur? Does it happen frequently at night, or only from time to time? Do mornings bring jaw pain or a sense of fatigue? Such observations can be valuable when you consult the dentist.

2. Create a calming bedtime routine

Stress and excitement can sometimes trigger bruxism. A relaxing bedtime ritual can help. Try:

• Reading a bedtime story
• Gentle back rubs or cuddles
• Playing calming music or white noise
• Stay away from exciting activities (such as video games or cartoons) before bedtime.

3. Encourage relaxation during the day

If your child tends to be anxious or easily stressed, encourage calming activities like drawing, journaling, yoga for kids, or simply outdoor play.

4. Ensure good sleep hygiene

• Maintain consistent bedtimes.
• Limit sugar or caffeinated drinks (like cola or chocolate) in the evening.
• Make your bedroom calm, dark, and cool to promote better sleep.

5. Watch out for mouth breathing or snoring

If your child snores loudly, breathes through their mouth, or has restless sleep, bring it up with their doctor. Sometimes addressing nasal allergies or sleep apnea helps reduce grinding.

6. Regular dental check-ups

Often, dentists are the first to spot signs of teeth grinding. Routine check-ups can detect enamel damage early, preventing it from turning into a more serious issue.

7. Mouthguards (if needed)

If grinding is severe and damaging the teeth, your child’s dentist might recommend a custom-fitted night guard. These protect the teeth from further damage. Don’t buy over-the-counter ones for kids — they need proper fitting.

When Should You See a Dentist or Doctor?

While mild, occasional grinding may not need medical attention, you should consult a professional if:

• Grinding happens frequently and loudly.
• Your child’s teeth look chipped, flat, or unusually worn down.
• They complain of constant jaw pain, earaches, or morning headaches.
• They experience poor sleep and show signs of fatigue the next day.
• Grinding continues well into their teenage years.

A pediatric dentist can check the bite, look for damage, and suggest treatment if necessary. In some cases, your child’s pediatrician may also check for sleep-related or emotional triggers.

Reassurance for Parents

It’s natural to feel worried when you hear your child grinding their teeth, but remember — in most cases, it’s a normal phase of childhood. Many kids grind without even realizing it, and most eventually grow out of it without lasting problems.

Your job as a parent is to:

• Stay observant
• Encourage healthy habits
• Seek professional help if symptoms persist

Think of bruxism as a signal rather than a problem on its own. Sometimes it’s your child’s way of telling you they’re adjusting to new teeth, sometimes it’s stress, and other times it may be linked to sleep. Whatever the cause, with timely attention, you can help protect their smile and their sleep.

Final Thoughts

If your child grinds his teeth at night, you’re not alone — many parents deal with the same issue. In general, it doesn’t pose any risk and often resolves on its own over time. Still, keeping an eye on symptoms, promoting a stress-free bedtime, and visiting the dentist regularly can make a big difference.

So, the next time you hear that crunching sound at night, don’t panic. Instead, take it as an opportunity to check in on your child’s dental health, emotional well-being, and sleep quality. With the right care, your child will not only outgrow this habit but also enjoy healthier, more restful nights.