Teeth Grinding in Children: Causes and When to Get It Checked

If you've heard a strange grinding noise coming from your child's room at night, you're not alone. Teeth grinding in children is something we see often at Two Rocks Dental Care, and in most cases it's nothing to worry about. Still, it's natural to want to understand why it happens and whether it's worth a dental check. This guide walks through the likely causes, what's normal, and when it's time to bring your child in.

How common is teeth grinding in children?

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is far more common in kids than most parents realise. Many children grind their teeth at some stage, and some clench their jaws quite firmly. Others grind hard enough that it makes a noticeable noise.

The tricky part is that children who grind their teeth at night won't usually wake up because of the noise they're making, but other people in the room might. That's often how parents first notice it, by hearing it through the wall rather than the child mentioning anything themselves.

The good news is that in most cases, teeth-grinding doesn't cause any damage to children's teeth, and it might only damage teeth in a few very extreme cases where the grinding is very regular and very strong. So hearing it happen once or twice doesn't mean you need to panic.

Kids grinding teeth at night: what's actually going on

Night time is when most grinding happens, which is why so many parents searching about kids grinding teeth at night are describing the same thing: a grinding or tapping sound coming from the bedroom after lights out. This can happen at any age, from toddlers right through to pre-teens.

It's worth knowing that this pattern is genuinely common across childhood. Teeth-grinding is common in toddlers and usually doesn't need treatment, some toddlers clench their jaws quite firmly, and others grind their teeth so hard that it makes a noise, often during sleep, and they don't usually wake up because of it. The same pattern tends to continue as children get a bit older.

Teeth grinding in children: causes

Parents often ask us what's actually causing it. The honest answer is that researchers don't have one single explanation. Nobody knows for sure why children grind their teeth, but they might do it because their top and bottom teeth aren't lined up, they have pain somewhere else in their bodies, or they're stressed.

A few other things seem to play a part too:

• Some children simply enjoy the feeling, particularly during the day. Some children grind their teeth during the day because they enjoy the feeling.
• New teeth coming through can trigger it, especially in younger children who are still getting used to how their teeth and jaw fit together.
• Everyday stress, like starting at a new school, a change at home, or even just an exciting or busy week, can show up as grinding at night.

Because the causes are so varied, there's rarely one single fix. This is also why occasional grinding during a growth spurt or a stressful week usually settles down on its own without any treatment at all.

When teeth grinding in children needs a dental check

Most of the time, teeth grinding in children is something kids grow out of without any treatment. In most cases, you don't need to try to stop your child from grinding their teeth, as it's normal and nothing to worry about, and your child will probably grow out of it without any treatment.

That said, there are times when it's worth having a dentist take a look. Signs to watch for include:

• Your child complains of a sore jaw, face or ear pain, especially in the morning.
• You notice flattened, chipped, or visibly worn-down teeth.
• Your child mentions headaches that seem linked to waking up.
• The grinding is loud, frequent, and has been going on for a long time rather than coming and going.

If any of these sound familiar, it's a good reason to book a check-up. If you're worried about your child's teeth-grinding, talk to a health professional, like your GP or dentist. At Two Rocks Dental Care, we take a look at your child's teeth and bite, talk through what we're seeing, and explain your options plainly, without any pressure.

Teeth grinding in children: treatment options

If a check-up shows that grinding is starting to wear down teeth or cause ongoing discomfort, there are a few ways to manage it. Devices to protect teeth or prevent grinding can help, but they're not always necessary, and your dentist will be able to give you advice.

Watching and waiting

For many children, especially younger ones, the simplest approach is to keep an eye on things. If there's no pain and no visible wear, we'll often suggest a follow-up check at your child's next regular visit rather than jumping straight to a device.

A custom splint

For children whose grinding is causing real wear or discomfort, a custom-made splint can help protect the teeth by creating a cushion between the upper and lower jaw during sleep. We offer splints fitted specifically to your child's mouth, and we'll always explain the pros and cons before you decide on anything.

Looking at the bigger picture

Sometimes grinding is linked to how the teeth meet, or to a habit like thumb sucking that's affecting the bite. In these cases, we'll talk you through what we're seeing and what the sensible next steps look like, in plain language, so you can make an informed choice for your child.

Why a regular dental check matters for grinding

Regular check-ups are the easiest way to catch grinding-related wear early, before it becomes a bigger issue. At Two Rocks Dental Care, our kids' dental appointments are a relaxed, low-key way to keep an eye on your child's teeth as they grow, including watching for any signs of grinding damage.

We're a family-run practice right here in Two Rocks, so you don't need to drive down to Joondalup every time your child needs a check. Families from Yanchep, Lancelin, Ledge Point and across Perth's northern coast visit us for the same reason: it's easier to get the whole family seen close to home.

If you're an HBF, HCF or nib member, we're a preferred provider for these funds, which usually means a smaller out-of-pocket gap for eligible treatment. We also process claims on the spot through HICAPS, so there's less paperwork for you to deal with afterwards.

Frequently asked questions

Is teeth grinding in children normal?

Yes, it's very common. Many children grind their teeth at some point, usually during sleep, and most grow out of it without any lasting effect on their teeth.

At what age does teeth grinding in children usually stop?

It varies from child to child, but grinding often eases off as permanent teeth come through and sleep patterns settle. If it's still happening regularly in the pre-teen years, it's worth mentioning at a check-up.

Can teeth grinding damage my child's teeth?

In most children it doesn't cause lasting damage. In a small number of cases where grinding is frequent and forceful, it can wear down the biting surfaces of the teeth, which is one of the things we check for at a routine visit.

Should I wake my child up if I hear them grinding their teeth?

There's no need to wake them. It's better to make a note of when it happens and mention it at their next dental check-up rather than disturbing their sleep.

Does stress cause teeth grinding in children?

Stress can be a factor for some children, alongside other things like how the teeth line up or general discomfort. There's rarely one single cause, which is why a dental check can help rule things in or out.

If you've noticed your child grinding their teeth at night and want some peace of mind, we're happy to help. Give Two Rocks Dental Care a call on (08) 9502 9040, or choose a time that suits your family by booking an appointment online. New to the practice? Our new patients page has everything you need to know before your first visit, and our team at Two Rocks Dental Care will take it from there.