10 days ago
4 minute read.
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.
Children grind their teeth for different reasons, and often it’s not something they do consciously. Here are some common causes:
If the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly, grinding may happen as the jaw tries to find the “right” position.
Children who snore, breathe through their mouth, or have sleep disorders like sleep apnea are more likely to grind their teeth at night.
Conditions such as ADHD or certain medicines can increase the chances of bruxism.
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:
You might also notice them clenching their jaw during the day when concentrating or feeling anxious.
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:
So, while occasional grinding may not be harmful, if it’s regular and causing symptoms, it’s worth paying attention to.
Here are some helpful steps you can try if you’ve observed your child grinding their teeth:
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.
Stress and excitement can sometimes trigger bruxism. A relaxing bedtime ritual can help. Try:
If your child tends to be anxious or easily stressed, encourage calming activities like drawing, journaling, yoga for kids, or simply outdoor play.
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.
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.
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.
While mild, occasional grinding may not need medical attention, you should consult a professional if:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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