If you’ve ever been woken up by the unsettling sound of your child grinding their teeth, you’re not alone. Teeth grinding in children, known medically as bruxism, is one of the most common concerns parents raise with dental hygienists and dentists. The good news? In most cases, it’s completely normal and children grow out of it naturally.
But that doesn’t mean you should ignore it entirely.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about children’s teeth grinding at night, from the causes and symptoms to when you should seek professional advice from a children’s dental hygienist at Dr Mali Dental Clinic.
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding or clenching teeth. In children, it most commonly happens during sleep, which is why parents often hear it before their child is even aware it’s happening.
It can affect children of all ages, from toddlers with their first baby teeth right through to teenagers. Studies suggest that bruxism affects between 6% and 50% of children at some point during childhood, making it one of the most widespread dental concerns in young people.
There is no single cause of teeth grinding in children. In most cases, it’s a combination of factors. Here are the most common reasons:
One of the most frequent causes of grinding in young children is simply that their baby teeth and adult teeth are still coming through. As new teeth erupt and the bite changes, the jaw naturally adjusts, and sometimes this results in grinding. This type of bruxism usually resolves on its own once the teeth have settled. You can learn more about the children’s dental treatments we offer to support your child at every stage of their dental development.
Children experience stress too, whether it’s starting a new school, friendship worries, or changes at home. Emotional stress and anxiety are strongly linked to teeth grinding, particularly at night when the body processes the events of the day. If your child has recently gone through a big life change, this could be a contributing factor. For children with significant dental anxiety, our sedation for children service can help make dental visits calm and stress-free.
Toddlers and young children often grind their teeth in response to pain they can’t yet communicate. Teething pain, earache, or general discomfort can trigger grinding as a coping response.
Research has found a link between sleep disturbances, including sleep apnoea, and teeth grinding in children. If your child snores loudly, breathes through their mouth at night, or seems restless during sleep, it’s worth mentioning to both your GP and your child’s dental specialist.
Some studies suggest that children with hyperactivity or ADHD are more likely to grind their teeth. The exact reason isn’t fully understood, but it may be related to sleep disturbances or heightened nervous system activity.
In some cases, medications, particularly certain antidepressants or ADHD medications, can increase the likelihood of bruxism as a side effect. Always speak to your GP if you suspect medication is a trigger.
You might not always hear the grinding. Here are the key signs to look out for:
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to book an appointment at Dr Mali Dental Clinic so our team can assess the teeth for any signs of wear.
In most cases, childhood bruxism does not cause lasting damage, particularly when it’s related to teething or developmental changes. Baby teeth have thinner enamel than adult teeth, but because they are temporary, any minor wear rarely causes long-term problems.
However, if grinding is persistent or severe, it can lead to:
This is why regular check-ups with a children’s dental hygienist are so important. They can spot early signs of wear before any serious damage occurs.
Most children grow out of bruxism naturally, especially once their adult teeth come through. However, you should seek professional advice if:
Our specialist paediatric dental team can examine your child’s teeth for signs of wear, offer tailored advice, and refer you to the appropriate specialist if needed.
While there is no guaranteed cure for childhood bruxism, there are several things you can do at home to help:
Establish a calm, consistent bedtime routine. This might include a warm bath, reading a book, or gentle conversation about their day. Reducing anxiety before sleep can significantly help.
Stimulating screen content before bed can increase nervous system activity. Try to switch off devices at least an hour before bedtime.
If you suspect your child has a sleep problem, speak to your GP. Treating an underlying sleep disorder can sometimes resolve grinding entirely.
Seeing a children’s dental hygienist every 6 months ensures any wear or damage is caught early. Our hygienist can also provide professional cleaning and fluoride varnish treatments to protect the enamel.
For older children, simply talking about stress or worries can make a big difference. If anxiety seems significant, your GP may be able to refer your child for additional support.
In adults, night guards (also called occlusal splints) are commonly used to protect teeth from grinding damage. However, for children, night guards are rarely recommended by dental professionals.
The reasons for this include:
If grinding is severe and persistent into adolescence, a dentist may then consider a custom night guard. Always seek professional advice before using any dental appliance for a child. You can view our dental fees page for information on the treatments we offer at Dr Mali Dental Clinic.
Our specialist children’s dental hygienist plays a vital role in spotting and managing bruxism. At your child’s appointment, our team can:
Regular hygienist visits are one of the most effective ways to stay on top of your child’s dental health and catch problems early. Get in touch with us today to book your child’s appointment.
If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth grinding, get in touch with our team at Dr Mali Dental Clinic today. Based in Fulham, London, our friendly and experienced children’s dental specialists are here to help keep your child’s smile healthy at every stage.
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