Teeth Grinding in Children: Causes and How to Help

Teeth grinding, known clinically as bruxism, is a surprisingly common occurrence in children, and many parents first become aware of it when they hear the sound coming from their child’s bedroom at night. That rhythmic, grating noise can be alarming to listen to, but in most cases, childhood bruxism is not a cause for serious concern. It tends to resolve on its own as children grow, particularly once their adult teeth have fully come through. That said, understanding why it happens and knowing when to seek professional advice can help parents feel more in control and ensure that any underlying issues are addressed appropriately.

At Gorgie Road Dental Practice, our children’s dentistry team regularly sees young patients whose parents have noticed signs of teeth grinding. We take a thorough approach to assessing the cause, evaluating any wear on the teeth and advising families on the most appropriate steps to take. Every child is different, and our advice is always tailored to the individual.

How Common Is Teeth Grinding in Children?

Bruxism is considerably more common in children than in adults. Studies suggest that anywhere between 14 and 38 percent of children grind their teeth at some point during childhood, and it most commonly occurs in two key developmental stages: when baby teeth first appear and again when adult teeth begin to come through. The NHS confirms that teeth grinding in children is very common and that it often stops naturally once adult teeth are fully established, without the need for treatment.

It tends to happen during sleep rather than during waking hours, which is why many children are completely unaware they are doing it. Parents and siblings sharing a room are usually the first to notice, and the sound can be quite loud, out of all proportion to the size of the child producing it.

What Causes Teeth Grinding in Children?

There is no single definitive cause of bruxism in children. In many cases, it appears to be a combination of factors rather than one identifiable trigger. Some of the most commonly associated causes include:

• Stress and anxiety: Even young children experience emotional stress, whether from changes at home, starting school, friendship difficulties or family events. Stress and anxiety are strongly associated with bruxism, particularly in older children. If a child has started grinding their teeth around the time of a significant life change, this may well be the reason.
• Dental development: As baby teeth erupt and adult teeth begin to come through, slight discrepancies in how the upper and lower teeth meet can trigger grinding. The child’s jaw may be trying to find a comfortable resting position, and grinding can be part of that process.
• Sleep-related factors: Bruxism is associated with other sleep behaviours including sleep talking, sleepwalking and night terrors. Children who are overtired or who do not have a consistent sleep routine may be more prone to teeth grinding.
• Airway issues: Some research suggests a link between sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea, and bruxism. If a child snores significantly or appears to have disrupted sleep, it may be worth exploring whether an airway issue is contributing to the grinding.
• Hyperactivity: Children who are very active or who have attention-related conditions may be more likely to grind their teeth, though research in this area is still developing.
• Medications: Certain medications, including some used to treat ADHD, have been associated with increased rates of bruxism as a side effect.

Signs That Your Child May Be Grinding Their Teeth

Because bruxism typically happens during sleep, the most direct sign is the noise itself. However, there are other indicators that can suggest a child is grinding their teeth, particularly if they share a room with someone who sleeps soundly and the sound has gone unnoticed:

• Complaints of a sore jaw, face or temples in the morning
• Headaches upon waking, particularly at the temples
• Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks
• Teeth that look flattened, chipped or shorter than expected
• Worn enamel visible on examination at the dentist
• Difficulty sleeping or restless sleep

If you notice any of these signs, it is a good idea to mention them at your child’s next dental check-up. Your dentist can examine the teeth for signs of wear that may not be visible to the naked eye.

When Should I Be Concerned?

Situation	Level of Concern	Recommended Action
Occasional grinding in a young child with baby teeth	Low	Monitor; mention at next routine check-up
Grinding that began after a stressful event	Low to moderate	Address the stress; review with dentist
Grinding associated with morning jaw pain or headaches	Moderate	Book a dental appointment for assessment
Visible wear on adult teeth	Moderate to high	Dental assessment; discuss options for protection
Grinding alongside significant snoring or disrupted sleep	Moderate to high	Dental review and possible GP referral for airway assessment
Grinding persisting beyond age 13 in a child with adult teeth	Higher	Dental assessment; may benefit from night guard

What Can Be Done to Help?

The approach to managing teeth grinding in children depends heavily on the likely cause and the degree to which it is affecting the child’s teeth and wellbeing. For many young children, the most appropriate course of action is simply to monitor the situation and wait for it to resolve, which it very often does. For children in whom bruxism is more persistent or causing wear to the teeth, a number of options are available.

The NHS advises that for children with bruxism, a mouth guard or splint worn at night may be recommended to protect the teeth from further wear. These are custom-made to fit the child’s teeth and are comfortable to wear. They do not stop the grinding behaviour, but they do absorb the force and prevent it from damaging the enamel. Because children’s mouths are changing rapidly as they grow, these appliances need to be reviewed regularly and replaced as the mouth develops.

Where stress or anxiety appears to be the main driver, addressing the underlying cause is the most important step. This might involve talking to your child about any worries they have, making changes to their routine to reduce stress, or seeking support from your GP or a child psychologist if anxiety is significantly impacting daily life. Simple relaxation techniques before bed, such as a warm bath, quiet reading time and limiting screen use in the hour before sleep, can all help create conditions that are less conducive to grinding.

Improving overall sleep hygiene is also valuable. A consistent bedtime routine, a quiet and comfortable sleep environment and avoiding stimulants like caffeine (which can be hidden in energy drinks, cola and chocolate) in the hours before bed all contribute to more settled sleep and potentially less grinding.

Can Teeth Grinding Damage My Child’s Teeth?

In the short term, mild grinding in a child with baby teeth is unlikely to cause lasting harm, because those teeth are eventually going to fall out anyway. The concern arises when bruxism persists into the adult dentition and continues to cause wear on permanent teeth. Adult teeth do not grow back, so enamel that is lost through grinding is lost permanently. Over time, significant wear can lead to sensitivity, an increased risk of decay, and changes in the appearance of the teeth that may require restorative treatment.

This is why it is important not to simply ignore grinding that continues beyond the early developmental years. Catching it early, before significant damage has accumulated, gives us far more options for protecting the teeth and managing the situation effectively.

We Can Help You Get to the Bottom of It

If your child is grinding their teeth and you are concerned, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team will carry out a thorough assessment of your child’s teeth, discuss the likely causes and work with you to find the most appropriate plan. We understand that every family situation is different, and we always approach these conversations with sensitivity and care. Contact Gorgie Road Dental Practice on 0131 337 3936 to book an appointment and let our team help put your mind at rest.