Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Teeth grinding is a common behavior in babies, toddlers, and young children that typically goes away on its own as kids get older.
Teeth Grinding in Infants, Toddlers, and Children
Bruxism is a medical condition that is more commonly known as teeth grinding. During each stage of life, there are similar experiences that contribute to frequent or unconscious teeth grinding. Bruxism is common in infants, toddlers, and young children but usually stops by the teenage years.
Most kids outgrow bruxism, but regular dental visits and parental support can help reduce the negative effects of your child’s teeth grinding in the meantime. It is important that if your child has lost their baby teeth, we work together to prevent teeth grinding. If untreated, after baby teeth have fallen out, damage to your child’s permanent teeth is likely to occur. Children can also develop temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) from repeatedly clenching their jaw while grinding their teeth.
Teeth Grinding Treatment
Bruxism treatment can include correctly aligning teeth that are misaligned, altering bite issues with crowns, or making a custom mouth guard for your child. We are here to help! We will monitor your child’s oral health, including any effects of teeth grinding, from their first visit up until their teenage years to ensure any possible damage is prevented. We offer custom kids mouth guards to ensure your child’s teeth are protected if they are grinding during the day or at night.
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What is teeth grinding (bruxism) in children?
Bruxism is the habit of grinding, clenching, or gnashing the teeth — most often during sleep and usually without awareness. Teeth grinding in children is quite common, especially in younger kids, and many will outgrow it naturally. In some cases, though, bruxism can wear down tooth enamel, cause jaw soreness or morning headaches, and disrupt sleep quality.
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What causes teeth grinding in kids?
The exact cause of childhood bruxism isn’t always clear. Contributing factors can include stress or anxiety, a misaligned bite (teeth that don’t come together properly), reactions to certain medications, or underlying sleep issues such as sleep-disordered breathing or sleep apnea. Sometimes it’s simply a developmental phase with no single identifiable cause. Our team will help evaluate what may be contributing in your child’s specific case.
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How do I know if my child grinds their teeth at night?
Common signs of bruxism include a grinding or clicking noise during sleep, complaints of jaw soreness or headaches in the morning, increased tooth sensitivity, and visible wear or flattening on the tips of the teeth. If you notice any of these signs in your child, mention it at their next dental checkup so we can examine the teeth for signs of wear.
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Can teeth grinding damage my child's teeth permanently?
In many children, bruxism is mild and resolves without causing significant damage. However, moderate to severe or prolonged grinding can wear down enamel, cause tooth sensitivity, and damage dental restorations. If we spot signs of wear at your child’s checkup, we’ll monitor closely and have a conversation about whether any intervention is needed.
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How is teeth grinding treated in children?
Treatment for childhood bruxism depends on the underlying cause and severity. For many younger children, no active treatment is needed — the habit resolves on its own. If stress or anxiety appears to be a trigger, a calming bedtime routine can help. For older children with noticeable enamel wear, a custom-fitted nightguard can protect the teeth during sleep. If a bite problem is contributing to the grinding, orthodontic treatment may be recommended to correct the alignment.
Questions About Teeth Grinding?
If you have any questions about teeth grinding contact us today, request an appointment for your child, or explore the other pediatric dental services we offer using the links below.