How To Tell If Your Child is Grinding Their Teeth

Teeth Grinding in Children

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, happens when children clench or grind their teeth, usually without realizing it. This often takes place during sleep but can also occur when children are awake, especially when they feel tense, focused, or upset. While occasional grinding isn’t unusual, repeated grinding can wear down teeth and strain the jaw.

Bruxism is common in young children and often begins between the ages of 3 and 6. Many children eventually outgrow it, but some continue grinding into their school years or beyond. Sometimes it’s linked to misaligned teeth, pain from teething or earaches, or even breathing issues like sleep apnea. In other cases, stress or anxiety may be the cause.

It’s important to monitor your child’s grinding early to catch any signs of damage or discomfort. Left unchecked, the habit can lead to tooth wear, sleep disturbances, and facial pain. Fortunately, treatment is available when needed, and dentists can guide you on what to watch for and when to step in.

How Can You Tell If Your Child is Grinding Their Teeth?

Most children who grind their teeth at night are unaware they’re doing it. If you hear clicking or scraping sounds while your child sleeps, that’s one of the most obvious signs. These sounds often happen during the early stages of sleep when the jaw muscles are active. If your child shares a room with a sibling, they may also be the first to notice the noise.

You may also see signs in your child’s mouth. Flattened, chipped, or worn-down teeth can indicate nighttime grinding. A dentist can usually spot this right away during a routine checkup. Your child might also complain about a sore jaw, headaches when they wake up, or pain when chewing. Sometimes they’ll mention that their face feels tired in the morning.

Another clue is if your child has trouble sleeping or wakes up feeling unrested. Grinding can interrupt their sleep without fully waking them, which may leave them groggy or irritable during the day. Children who grind their teeth often clench their jaws during the day too, especially when they’re concentrating or feeling frustrated.

Watch for changes in behaviour that may point to stress or anxiety, as emotional tension is another possible cause. A new school year, family changes, or problems with friends can sometimes trigger grinding, even in very young kids. If your child has started biting their nails or chewing on pencils, these may be connected habits.

To help you spot teeth grinding early, use this checklist:

1. Do you hear grinding sounds when your child sleeps?
2. Has your child complained of a sore jaw or tired face in the morning?
3. Do they often wake up with headaches?
4. Have you noticed flattened or chipped teeth?
5. Does your child clench their jaw when upset or focused?
6. Is their sleep restless or interrupted?
7. Are there signs of stress, such as nail-biting or chewing on objects?
8. Have teachers or caregivers reported anything unusual?

If you answered yes to any of these, it’s a good idea to bring it up at your child’s next dental visit.

Should You Treat Your Child’s Teeth Grinding? – Yes

If you think your child is grinding their teeth, you should book a checkup with a pediatric dentist. Early care can help prevent long-term damage and make your child more comfortable. Even if the grinding seems minor, a dentist can examine your child’s teeth and jaw to see how serious it is and suggest next steps.

Pediatric dentists are trained to spot signs of bruxism in children at every stage of development. They can also rule out other causes, like an uneven bite, teething, or airway issues. In many cases, they’ll recommend simple steps first, like changing bedtime routines or addressing stress. If needed, they may suggest a custom mouth guard or refer you for other care.

Don’t wait for pain or visible damage before acting. Catching the problem early allows your child to avoid future dental work and sleep issues. If something seems off, trust your instincts and get it checked.

If you are concerned about your child’s teeth grinding,

Kids Dental Group offers free consultations

Problems Caused By Teeth Grinding in Children

Teeth grinding can cause more than just noise at night. Over time, it can lead to physical discomfort, damaged teeth, and sleep issues. Even if your child doesn’t complain, their teeth and jaw may already be under strain.

A child’s mouth is still growing, which makes early damage from grinding more serious. Acting quickly can protect their teeth and improve their quality of sleep. Here are some common problems that can develop if grinding is not addressed:

1. Worn-down teeth – Repeated grinding can wear away the enamel—the hard outer layer of the teeth—making them flat, dull, or uneven. This wear makes teeth more vulnerable to cavities and long-term damage.
2. Tooth sensitivity – When enamel thins out, hot or cold foods can cause sharp discomfort. Children may begin to avoid certain foods or complain about pain while eating.
3. Jaw pain or tightness – The constant pressure from grinding can strain the muscles in the jaw. Children might have trouble opening their mouth wide or say their jaw feels sore or stiff.
4. Headaches – The tension caused by jaw clenching can spread to the temples and forehead, leading to morning headaches. These headaches may affect your child’s mood and focus.
5. Cracked or chipped teeth – The force of grinding can cause small fractures or chips in teeth, which may require dental repairs. Left untreated, these can lead to further damage or decay.
6. Sleep disruption – Grinding often interferes with deep sleep. Your child may wake up frequently or feel tired during the day, even if they’ve been in bed all night.

If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to have a dentist take a closer look. Early attention can stop the damage from getting worse and help your child feel better fast.

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Problems Caused by Teeth Grinding in Children and How To Treat Them

How Can You Treat Teeth Grinding in Children?

Treatment for teeth grinding depends on the child’s age, the cause of the habit, and whether there’s any damage. In many cases, especially with younger children, grinding can be managed at home with simple changes. If the problem continues or causes harm to the teeth or jaw, a dentist may recommend a habit breaking appliance.

At home, parents can try to reduce stress before bedtime, as emotional tension is a common trigger for grinding. A consistent evening routine, relaxing activities like reading or gentle music, and avoiding screen time before bed can all help. For children who grind due to physical discomfort, such as teething or ear pain, treating the cause can often stop the grinding.

If grinding persists or causes wear, a pediatric dentist may suggest a habit breaking appliance. These devices are custom-made and usually cemented in place to prevent grinding during sleep. They work by stopping the contact between upper and lower teeth or training the tongue and jaw into healthier positions. Appliances are safe, painless, and typically worn for several months.

In some cases, the dentist may also recommend speech therapy, myofunctional therapy if grinding is linked to tongue thrust or other oral habits. Children usually adjust quickly to these appliances and rarely need them long-term. Regular checkups during treatment ensure everything is working as it should.

Early treatment, whether at home or with the help of a dental professional, can protect your child’s teeth and support healthy development.

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Kids Dental Group Can Help with Teeth Grinding

We understand how worrying it can be to notice signs of teeth grinding in your child. You want to do the right thing, but it’s not always clear where to start. That’s why we’re here to help.

At Kids Dental Group, we take the time to listen, assess, and guide you through the best steps for your child’s care. Whether it’s a simple habit or something that needs closer attention, we’ll make sure your child gets the support they need.

We offer free consultations and welcome families at our locations in Richmond Hill, Markham, Stouffville, and Hillcrest. Reach out to book an appointment—early care makes all the difference.

Contact us today