Why Your Child Grinds Their Teeth at Night and When You Should Worry
Posted on 3/5/2026 by NC Pediatric Dentistry |
 If you’ve heard your child grinding their teeth during sleep, you’re not alone, and you’re right to pay attention. Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is surprisingly common in children. Some estimates suggest up to 20–30% of kids do it at some point. For most, it’s a phase that fades on its own. But in certain cases, ongoing grinding can wear down tooth enamel, cause jaw discomfort, and signal something that needs a closer look.
This guide covers the most common reasons children grind their teeth, how to recognize the signs, and when it’s time to bring it up with your pediatric dentist. Whether your child is a toddler or a teen, knowing what’s normal and what’s not can help you feel more confident about the next step. Learn more about NC Pediatric Dentistry and our approach to children’s dental care on our homepage.
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What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for clenching or grinding the teeth, and it most often happens during sleep. You might hear it as a rhythmic scraping or clicking sound coming from your child’s room at night. Some children also clench during the day without realizing it, especially during moments of concentration or stress.
There are two types: sleep bruxism (which occurs unconsciously during sleep) and awake bruxism (daytime clenching, often tied to emotions or focus). Sleep bruxism is far more common in children and is the type most parents notice first. It tends to peak during two windows: when baby teeth are coming in and again when permanent teeth start to erupt.
Common Causes of Teeth Grinding in Children
There isn’t always one clear reason a child grinds their teeth. In many cases, several factors overlap. Here are some of the most common triggers our team sees in young patients across North Carolina:
Bite alignment: When the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together smoothly, the jaw may unconsciously try to “find” a comfortable resting position. This can lead to repetitive grinding, especially during sleep.
Stress or anxiety: Children process emotions physically more than many parents realize. Changes at school, family transitions, or even excitement about an upcoming event can show up as nighttime grinding.
Airway and breathing issues: Research increasingly connects sleep bruxism with airway problems. Children who snore, mouth breathe, or have enlarged tonsils or adenoids are more likely to grind their teeth. The grinding may be the body’s attempt to reopen a partially obstructed airway.
Discomfort from erupting teeth: When new teeth are pushing through, the pressure and unfamiliar sensation can trigger grinding. This is especially common in toddlers and children around ages 6–7 when the first permanent molars arrive.
Medications: Certain medications used to treat ADHD and other conditions list bruxism as a side effect. If your child started grinding around the same time they began a new medication, mention it to their prescribing provider.
Signs Your Child May Be Grinding Their Teeth
Not every child who grinds makes enough noise for parents to hear. Some grind silently, and the evidence shows up in other ways. Watch for:
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Worn or flattened tooth surfaces – Your dentist may notice this during a preventive dental exam before you do
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Jaw soreness in the morning – Your child may complain that their jaw or face feels tired or achy after waking up
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Headaches – Frequent morning headaches, especially around the temples, can be linked to nighttime clenching
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Tooth sensitivity – Worn enamel exposes the layer underneath, which can make teeth more reactive to hot and cold
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Chipped or cracked teeth – In more severe cases, grinding can cause visible damage to tooth structure |
If your child mentions any of these symptoms, or if you notice them favoring one side while chewing, it’s worth bringing up at their next appointment.
When You Should Actually Worry
Here’s the reassuring part: most childhood bruxism doesn’t cause lasting damage. Many kids grind for a period and then stop on their own, particularly once their permanent teeth finish coming in. The grinding that happens during the toddler and early elementary years is often developmental and temporary.
That said, there are situations where it warrants more attention. If your child’s teeth are showing significant wear or if enamel is visibly thinning, that’s a sign the grinding is too aggressive to ignore. Persistent jaw discomfort, facial tenderness, or headaches that don’t have another explanation are also worth investigating. And if the grinding coincides with loud snoring, restless sleep, or pauses in breathing, the airway connection should be explored.
Our team pays close attention to these patterns. During a routine checkup, we can measure how much wear has occurred and track changes over time. In some cases, a custom night guard may be recommended for older children to protect the teeth while the underlying cause is addressed.
Helping Your Child
If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth grinding, start by scheduling a visit so we can take a look. NC Pediatric Dentistry has offices across North Carolina, and our resources for parents can help you know what to expect. Visit our locations page to find an office near you and book an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do most children outgrow teeth grinding?
Yes. The majority of children stop grinding on their own by their early teen years, especially once their permanent teeth are fully erupted and their bite stabilizes. Regular dental visits help monitor for any damage in the meantime.
Can a night guard help my child stop grinding?
A night guard doesn’t stop the grinding itself, but it protects the teeth from wear and can reduce jaw strain. Custom-fitted guards from your pediatric dentist are more comfortable and effective than store-bought options.
Is teeth grinding connected to sleep apnea in children?
There is a recognized connection between sleep bruxism and sleep-disordered breathing in children. If your child grinds their teeth and also snores heavily or has restless sleep, mention both concerns to their dentist and pediatrician.
Should I wake my child up when I hear them grinding?
Waking your child won’t stop the habit and can disrupt their sleep. Instead, note how often it happens and mention it at their next dental visit. Your dentist can check for wear and recommend next steps if needed.
Can stress really cause a child to grind their teeth?
Absolutely. Children often express stress physically rather than verbally. Changes in routine, school pressures, or family transitions can all trigger or increase nighttime grinding. Addressing the stress alongside any dental treatment tends to produce the best results.
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