Hearing your child grind their teeth at night can be unsettling. Grinding, also called bruxism, is common in children, and many outgrow it without any problems. When it starts to wear teeth down or cause jaw soreness, we’ll help you understand why it’s happening and whether a night guard would protect your child’s teeth while they sleep.
Why do children grind their teeth at night?
There’s rarely a single cause. Common contributors include:
- Growth. As baby teeth come in and fall out, children may grind while their bite settles.
- Stress or big changes, like a new school, a move, or a new sibling.
- Breathing and airway. Grinding during sleep can sometimes be linked to how a child breathes at night, including snoring or mouth breathing.
- Bite and jaw development, such as teeth that don’t meet evenly.
- Certain medicines or health conditions.
Because the cause can vary, a dental exam is the best first step. As part of our airway-focused approach, we look at your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw growth along with signs that may relate to breathing during sleep. If something points beyond the mouth, we’ll talk with you about next steps, which may include checking in with your child’s pediatrician.
Signs your child may be grinding
- Grinding or clicking sounds during sleep
- Teeth that look flat, short, or chipped at the edges
- Complaints of a sore jaw or face, or headaches in the morning
- Teeth that feel sensitive to hot or cold
- Snoring, restless sleep, or breathing through the mouth
Does my child need a night guard?
Many young children who grind don’t need treatment at all, especially if their baby teeth aren’t wearing down quickly. We’ll often watch and compare at each checkup.
A night guard becomes more helpful when grinding is wearing away enamel, when your child has jaw discomfort, or when the adult teeth are in.
How a children’s night guard works
A night guard is a thin, smooth appliance that fits over the teeth during sleep. It doesn’t stop the grinding itself. Instead, it takes the wear in place of your child’s teeth and can ease strain on the jaw muscles.
As your child grows and teeth change, a guard may need to be adjusted or remade. We’ll check the fit at regular visits.
Caring for a night guard
Rinse the guard each morning, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush, and let it dry in its case. Keep it away from heat and pets. Bring it to each checkup so we can look it over.
Will my child outgrow teeth grinding?
Many children do, often as their adult teeth come in. We’ll keep track over time so you know whether it’s improving.
Is a night guard the same as a sports mouth guard?
No. A night guard is thinner and shaped for grinding during sleep. For sports, see Mouth Guards.
Could grinding mean my child isn’t breathing well at night?
Sometimes. Grinding along with snoring, mouth breathing, or restless sleep is worth mentioning at your child’s visit. We’ll share what we notice and talk with you about whether your pediatrician should take a closer look.
Related: Mouth Guards, Early Orthodontic Evaluations, Exams & Cleanings, Preventive Dentistry