Understanding Teeth Grinding in Children (Bruxism)

Teeth Grinding in Children

Teeth grinding is surprisingly common in children, especially during periods of growth and development. Most kids who grind their teeth do so during sleep and are completely unaware it’s happening. In many cases, childhood grinding is temporary and harmless, but it’s still important to understand why it happens and when it should be evaluated.

Why Grinding Happens

There is rarely one single cause. Grinding is usually influenced by a combination of developmental and physical factors, including:

• Developing jaws and changing bites

  • Children’s jaws are constantly growing. When teeth don’t line up perfectly during these changes, grinding can occur as the body tries to find balance.

• Erupting teeth

  • As new teeth come in, pressure and tenderness can lead to clenching or grinding, particularly in toddlers and early elementary years.

• Sleep-related patterns

  • Grinding often happens during deeper stages of sleep and is commonly associated with restless sleep cycles.

• Airway considerations

  • In some children, airway resistance—including concerns related to enlarged tonsils or adenoids—may be associated with nighttime grinding. These factors cannot be confirmed without proper dental or medical evaluation.

• Stress and nervous system activity

  • Big emotions, schedule changes, school stress, or even excitement can activate the nervous system during sleep, contributing to grinding.

• Discomfort elsewhere in the body

  • Ear pressure, sinus congestion, illness, or teething may all play a role.

Signs Parents Might Notice

Because kids often don’t feel pain, grinding may go unnoticed. Parents commonly report:

• Grinding noises during sleep

• Flattened or worn teeth

• Jaw soreness or morning headaches

• Increased tooth sensitivity

• Restless sleep or mouth breathing

When Grinding Becomes a Concern

Grinding should be evaluated if:

• Teeth show visible wear or chipping

• Your child complains of jaw pain or headaches

• Sleep quality seems poor or restless

• Grinding continues consistently over time

A pediatric dental exam helps determine whether the grinding is part of normal development or if additional evaluation is recommended.

How Pediatric Dentists Help

At Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we:

• Monitor tooth wear and jaw development

• Assess bite alignment and growth patterns

• Look for signs that may warrant further evaluation

• Guide families on whether treatment, observation, or referral is appropriate

Our focus is always on protecting your child’s comfort, development, and long-term oral health.

How Grinding Connects to Overall Oral Health

Teeth grinding isn’t just about wear—it can affect how teeth function and stay healthy over time. Worn or stressed teeth may be more vulnerable to cavities, sensitivity, and enamel breakdown if not properly monitored.

Grinding can also be a helpful early signal that prompts us to look more closely at how your child’s teeth, bite, and airway are developing. While no single cause can be confirmed without an exam, paying attention early allows us to support healthy growth, protect teeth from decay, and address concerns before they become bigger issues.

At Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our approach is always preventive and child-centered—focused on keeping smiles comfortable, healthy, and developing the way they should.