How to Stop Teeth Grinding in Children

Hearing your child grind their teeth at night is unsettling. That grating sound in a quiet house is hard to ignore, and it naturally raises the question of whether something is wrong. The reassuring news is that teeth grinding in children is far more common than most parents realise, and many children stop on their own. Some situations do need professional attention, though, and knowing the difference is what matters.

At Bigger Smiles in Gymea, we see parents from across Sydney who are worried about their child’s grinding. Our team works with children of all ages in a calm, welcoming setting, and we know that what worries parents most is not always what needs the most urgent care. This guide gives you an honest picture of what causes grinding, what to look for, and when a dental visit is the right next step.

What Is Teeth Grinding in Children?

The clinical term for grinding and clenching is bruxism. It is involuntary, and it can happen during the day or at night while your child sleeps. Sleep bruxism is the more common form in children and is usually what parents notice first, because the child is asleep and completely unaware of it.

Research suggests bruxism affects a meaningful share of children at some point in their development. Most cases are mild and settle without treatment as the child grows and the permanent teeth establish a stable bite. Persistent grinding that wears down tooth structure or disturbs sleep is a different matter, and it warrants a proper clinical assessment through general dentistry rather than a wait-and-see approach.

What Causes Teeth Grinding in Children?

Stress and anxiety are among the most common drivers. Children carry emotional pressure in ways adults often underestimate, and the body can process that load during sleep as grinding. If the habit appears alongside a stressful school term or a change at home, anxiety is likely part of the picture.

Erupting teeth and a developing bite also play a role, particularly in younger children. The jaw instinctively tests new teeth as they come through, which is one reason grinding is common between the ages of three and seven and often fades on its own. A misaligned bite is a separate cause. When the upper and lower teeth do not meet comfortably, the jaw may grind during sleep searching for a resting position. In these cases, an assessment for orthodontic treatment or Invisalign may be appropriate as your child gets older.

There is also a well-documented link between bruxism and disturbed sleep. Snoring, restless nights and unrefreshing sleep can occur alongside grinding, and these are worth raising with both your dentist and your GP. Certain medications and exposure to second-hand smoke have likewise been associated with higher rates of grinding in children.

What Are the Signs of Teeth Grinding in Children?

The sound itself is the most obvious sign, but it is not the only one. Children who grind heavily often wake with jaw soreness, facial tightness, or headaches around the temples. These complaints are easy to dismiss as minor, and they should not be.

Tooth sensitivity is another indicator, because grinding gradually thins the enamel and exposes the more sensitive layer beneath. Over time you may notice teeth that look shorter, flattened at the tips, or chipped along the edges. Damage of this kind does not reverse on its own and may eventually need white fillings or, in more advanced cases, a dental crown to restore the tooth. Some children also bite the inside of their cheeks, or complain of a jaw that feels tired or clicks when they open wide.