It’s not uncommon to hear kids grinding their teeth, especially at night. In fact, research has shown that up to 49% of children have pediatric bruxism—a condition characterized by grinding and involuntary clenching of the teeth. It usually happens during sleep, but some do it subconsciously while they’re awake.
Teeth grinding in kids is fairly normal, but it can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and premature tooth wear in severe cases. We will discuss what makes children grind their teeth, and when it’s time to seek help from a dental professional.
Common Risk Factors for Pediatric Bruxism
There are no specific causes of bruxism, but certain risk factors make some kids more likely to grind their teeth.
In Young Children
Teeth grinding can begin as soon as babies get their teeth and usually stops by the time permanent teeth come in. Genetics and stress are prominent risk factors, with one study showing that preschoolers who are anxious or who have suffered trauma may be more likely to grind their teeth at night. The study also revealed that children who grind their teeth have at least one parent who did the same thing as a kid.
Other general risk factors for child teeth grinding at night include:
- Teething: As babies’ new teeth come in, or as kids are cutting permanent teeth, they may clench or grind when they sleep.
- Misaligned teeth. If your child’s upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly, the jaw muscles may compensate by grinding or clenching.
- Breathing problems. Kids with stuffy noses or enlarged tonsils and adenoids may grind in a subconscious effort to open the airway.
- Hyperactivity. Children with ADHD tend to have more anxiety and sleep disturbances, which can lead to teeth grinding.
- Exposure to secondhand smoke. Studies show that children who live in a smoking household are 90% more likely to develop the condition.
In Older Children
While most kids stop grinding when their adult teeth come in, some adolescents and teens continue the habit. In one study involving children 11-14, researchers found that 22.2% of participants grinded their teeth at night, and most of them were males. Studies also show that adolescents with bruxism have higher levels of childhood trauma and perceived stress.
Older children are likely to grind their teeth when they:
- Are dealing with emotional stress. Having a stressful home life and trouble at school has been linked to teeth grinding. One study in Brazil found that kids who were being verbally bullied at school were four times as likely to grind their teeth.
- Have been diagnosed with a psychosocial or antisocial disorder. Researchers have found that teens with bruxism were sixteen times more likely to suffer from a social disorder than teens without bruxism.
- Have sleep-related issues. Those who snore and have sleep apnea are likely to grind at night in a subconscious effort to open the airway.
When to Worry About a Child’s Teeth Grinding at Night
Pediatric bruxism is worrisome if it causes discomfort, leads to wearing of the teeth, or signifies that a child could be dealing with psychological or emotional stress.
Concerning physical symptoms of bruxism to watch for in a child include:
- Frequent headaches or complaints of face, ear, or jaw pain upon waking up. This can all result from constant clenching of jaw muscles.
- Pain when chewing.
- Sensitive teeth when eating or drinking, which can happen as enamel is ground away.
- Cracked or chipped teeth. This can weaken the tooth’s structure over time, leading to cavities.
- Difficulty sleeping. If teeth grinding wakes your child up at night, it can result in poor sleep quality.
Because stress is a common factor leading to bruxism, parents should be aware that kids grinding teeth could be a warning sign of social or emotional issues.
How Parents Can Address Kids Grinding Teeth
In young children who clench their teeth at night, it’s important to minimize stress as much as possible to allow the jaw muscles to relax. By creating a soothing atmosphere before a child falls asleep, kids are less likely to grind their teeth. Parents should:
- Limit TV and electronics before bed
- Give the child a warm shower or bath
- Allow the child to read or listen to a story
In older kids, reducing stress is also important. Parents can help by:
- Talking to the child regularly about their feelings
- Providing reassurance and support regarding school performance or social issues
- Making an appointment with a counselor if anxiety or depression seems severe
When It’s Time to See a Dentist for Pediatric Bruxism
Hearing kids grinding teeth once in a while doesn’t always warrant a special trip to the dentist. But if a child is experiencing persistent headaches or jaw pain, is complaining of tooth sensitivity, or is still grinding teeth into their teen years, it’s a good idea to make a dental appointment.
The dentist will check the teeth for chipped enamel and unusual wear and tear, and check for misalignments. Sometimes a mouth guard can help prevent a child teeth grinding at night. Or, the dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment to correct malocclusions that are causing bruxism. A dentist will also discuss how
reducing stress can stop teeth grinding and offer suggestions for how to do so.
If your child is grinding their teeth at night, you can find a list of knowledgeable dentists near you on our website. Click here to make an appointment.