Hearing a child grind their teeth in the middle of the night worries many parents. It is fairly common in children and usually fades with age.
- Teeth grinding in sleep is fairly common in children and usually fades with age.
- Common causes are teeth coming in or being shed, stress, a blocked nose and light sleep.
- Heavy grinding can wear baby teeth and cause a tired or sore jaw.
- Clearly worn teeth, jaw pain or long-lasting grinding should be examined.
Many children grind their teeth in their sleep at some stage. Most of the time it does no serious harm, but parents should still watch for the signs that mean action is needed.
Why do children grind their teeth in sleep?
There is usually no single fixed cause. Common factors include:
- Teeth coming in or being shed, which changes the bite and feels uncomfortable.
- Stress, worry, or too much stimulation during the day.
- A blocked nose, mouth breathing or light sleep.
- Habit, and sometimes a family member also grinds.
Does grinding do any harm?
If it is only occasional, it is usually nothing to worry about. If it is frequent and long-lasting, you may see:
- Clearly worn chewing surfaces on baby teeth.
- The child complaining of a sore or tired jaw, earache or morning headache.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food.
What can parents do?
- Keep a regular bedtime and cut down screens and rough play before sleep.
- Help the child relax with a warm bath, a story or soft music.
- Watch for a blocked nose, mouth breathing or snoring.
- Take the child for regular dental check-ups. See when to take a child for a first dental visit.
Please do not make a guard for your child yourself. Whether one is needed is for the dentist to decide after an examination.
When should you see a dentist?
- Teeth are clearly worn or chipped, or the child complains of jaw pain.
- Grinding lasts many months, or continues after the permanent teeth have come in.
- The child snores loudly, sleeps restlessly or breathes through the mouth.
The dentist will examine the teeth and bite and advise a suitable direction. You may also read is grinding your teeth in your sleep harmful and what to watch when children lose baby teeth. You can bring your child in person during working hours at 266A - 268, Đường 3 Tháng 2, Phường Hòa Hưng, Ho Chi Minh City, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter hours.
Frequently asked questions
Is teeth grinding in sleep dangerous for children?
Most of the time it is not dangerous and fades with age. If teeth are clearly worn, the child complains of jaw pain or the grinding continues, parents should have the child examined.
Is a child's teeth grinding caused by worms?
It should not be assumed. Grinding is usually linked to teeth coming in or being shed, stress, sleep or a blocked nose. If you are worried, ask a doctor.
Does a grinding child need a night guard?
Not every child does. A dentist decides after an examination, and parents should not make one for the child.