Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Teeth grinding is fairly common in babies, toddlers, and young children, and it often happens during sleep or times of stress. In most cases it’s a normal phase and gradually fades as kids grow and their jaws and teeth develop.
Treating Teeth Grinding in Children
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is common in infants, toddlers, and young children, and it often fades by the teen years. Regular dental visits and support at home can help reduce the effects while your child is still growing. Once baby teeth are gone, it’s especially important to manage grinding to protect the permanent teeth and lower the risk of TMJ from repeated clenching.
Treatment may include correcting bite issues, aligning teeth, or creating a custom mouth guard. We’ll closely monitor your child’s oral health from their first visit through adolescence to prevent damage and keep their smile healthy. We also offer custom kids’ mouth guards for day or nighttime grinding.
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What are common symptoms of teeth grinding at night?
Common symptoms of nighttime teeth grinding in children include jaw soreness, headaches, worn or chipped teeth, and grinding noises during sleep.
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Can teeth grinding harm my child’s permanent teeth?
It can. Once baby teeth are gone, untreated grinding may damage permanent teeth and increase the risk of jaw issues like TMJ.
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How can I help protect my child’s teeth if they grind?
Regular dental visits, monitoring bite or alignment issues, and using a custom mouth guard can help prevent damage and support healthy development.
Questions about teeth grinding?
If you’d like to learn more about teeth grinding, use the links below to contact us, schedule an appointment for your child, or explore our pediatric dental services.
