Teeth Grinding in Children

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the repetitive grinding or clenching of teeth. There are two distinct types of bruxism: sleep bruxism and waking bruxism. Waking bruxism is believed to be more common and usually consists primarily of teeth clenching without grinding.

Studies estimate anywhere from 6% up to almost 50% of children Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source engage in bruxism during the night. Bruxism is believed to be more common in childhood Trusted Source American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) AASM sets standards and promotes excellence in sleep medicine health care, education, and research. View Source and can start as soon as the teeth grow in during infancy. More than 80% of people with sleep bruxism may not realize they grind their teeth during sleep. It may be difficult to identify sleep bruxism in children unless they share a bedroom with a sibling or a caregiver. The sounds produced by grinding and clenching teeth may also lead to sleep disruptions for your child or others in the bedroom.

Bruxism can increase the risk of developing:

• Fractured teeth, receding gums, and other problems in the teeth and jaw
• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
• Eating disorders
• Mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety
• Sleep problems

Why Do Kids Grind Their Teeth?

Bruxism in children and toddlers likely occurs due to a combination of psychological factors, family history, and environmental triggers. The condition runs in families, though it is not yet clear whether this is due to genetics or additional factors such as similar upbringings. Studies have also found that male children are more likely to engage in bruxism Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , although more research needs to be conducted to confirm this. People who are predisposed to bruxism may be triggered by one or more additional factors, such as stress or secondhand smoke.

Stress

Stress appears to be closely linked to sleep bruxism, though more research is needed to determine whether stress causes bruxism or vice versa. For school-age children, bruxism may be a way of coping with the stress of homework, chores, and getting good grades. 

Researchers have found higher levels of self-reported stress as well as stress-related hormones Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source in people with sleep bruxism, though additional studies have failed to replicate these findings.

Age

Children ages 7 to 10 are most likely Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source to engage in sleep bruxism, but the condition is seen in children of all age groups. 

• Infants: Babies can experience bruxism as soon as their teeth come in, and has been reported in children 1 year and under. Infants may engage in bruxism to soothe discomfort associated with teething. Chronic oral habits like teeth grinding during infancy typically do not cause long-term health complications, but may cause infants to cease breastfeeding prematurely.   
• Toddlers: Research suggests stress and separation anxiety Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source may trigger episodes of sleep bruxism in toddlers and children. It is unlikely for teeth grinding during infancy and toddlerhood to affect the structural integrity of adult teeth. 
• School-age children: Teeth grinding may emerge or reemerge in children who are shedding their baby teeth and growing in their permanent set. Research also suggests that children may unconsciously release daytime tension and stress through nighttime teeth grinding. 

Anxiety

Though research is inconclusive Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , there is some evidence of a link between anxiety levels and sleep bruxism in children. Children who are naturally restless and who worry more about doing well in school appear more likely to engage in bruxism.

Researchers note that symptoms may evolve over time as children develop, which may be why the connection is not evident at first glance. For example, toddlers who experience more severe separation anxiety are more likely to develop sleep bruxism in elementary school.

Other Sleep and Mental Health Disorders

Along with stress and anxiety, bruxism seems to occur more in children with certain other conditions, such as migraines Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . However, it is unclear whether bruxism is caused by ADHD or commonly prescribed medications used to manage ADHD symptoms, including some stimulants. 

In addition, ​​children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source or autism spectrum disorder may experience both waking and sleep-related bruxism. Bruxism can also go hand in hand with sleep disturbances, including parasomnias, snoring, and sleep-related breathing disorders. However, it is difficult to say whether these are a cause or an effect of teeth grinding at night.

Dental Issues

Bruxism is more common in children with misaligned teeth Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source and those who wear fixed orthodontic appliances Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source like braces. However, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, there is not enough evidence to identify dental issues as a cause of bruxism. Bruxism is also more common in people who breathe primarily through their mouth Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .

Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke is another risk factor for developing bruxism in childhood. Research suggests that even moderate exposure to secondhand smoke Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source increases the risk of bruxism in children.

Signs Your Child May Be Grinding Their Teeth at Night

Some common symptoms and signs your child may be experiencing teeth grinding during the night include:

• Tooth damage: Children with sleep bruxism may experience dental fractures, wearing down of the teeth, or receding gums.
• Sensitive teeth: Children who grind their teeth may be more sensitive to hot or cold food and drinks.
• Jaw pain or headaches: Constant pressure from clenched teeth may result in headaches, jaw pain, and occasionally clicking sounds or increased size of the jaw muscles.
• Grinding sounds: Children can be observed during the night to check for grinding noises. To avoid disturbing a child’s sleep, opt for a baby monitor to watch for signs of sleep bruxism.

Diagnosing Bruxism in Children

To be diagnosed with bruxism, your child must show tooth grinding sounds while asleep, coupled with corresponding tooth wear, morning jaw pain, headaches, and/or a locking jaw. These signs may be noticed by a dentist during a routine appointment, or they may be identified by a doctor if your child complains of morning pain or poor sleep. Since sleep bruxism occurs during the night, dentists rely heavily on parent reports of grinding or clenching noises during the child’s sleep.

Your child’s care provider may ask about current stressors to obtain a fuller picture of potential precipitating factors. More rarely, they may refer your child for polysomnography, an overnight sleep exam, to check for signs of bruxism or other sleep disorders.

Treatments for Bruxism

Bruxism treatment focuses on preventing tooth damage and reducing side effects such as pain and headaches. Improving sleep quality and addressing sources of stress may help make bruxism more manageable.

Nightguards

A dentist can help fit your child with a night guard or splint to protect their teeth while they sleep. The splint may fit over the top or bottom teeth, and may be designed to reposition the jaw in addition to shielding the teeth from friction. Night guards and splints appear to be effective at treating bruxism Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , although the bruxism may not fully go away and symptoms may return if your child does not use the guard.

Stress Relief

Managing stress can help reduce teeth grinding. Talk to your child about what may be occuring in their life that is causing them distress, such as a recent move or academic obligations. If necessary, reach out to a mental health professional or your child’s school counselor for additional support.

Sleep Hygiene and Bedtime Routine

Sleep bruxism is closely tied to sleep quality. You can improve your child’s sleep by ensuring their room is dark and quiet, limiting the time they spend using electronic media, and providing them with a nutritious diet low in added sugars.

Establishing a bedtime routine can set the stage for healthy sleep and help your child feel confident and secure at bedtime. Some examples of soothing bedtime activities are:

• Eating a nutritious snack before bed
• Brushing teeth
• Taking a warm bath
• Cuddling together with your child
• Reading stories
• Singing or soft music

Symptom Relief

Working on relaxing the face muscles during the day can sometimes reduce nighttime bruxism. To soothe painful jaws and teeth, use a cold or hot compress, encourage your child to drink water and avoid hard foods and chewing gum. Ask your doctor about stretching exercises and facial massage techniques.

Medication

There is some evidence that homeopathic remedies or medication may help reduce sleep bruxism in children, but more research is needed to evaluate the efficacy and possible side effects. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new medication, even if it is marketed as natural or sold over the counter. As bruxism is not considered harmful apart from its secondary effects on the teeth and jaw, your child’s doctor should weigh whether taking medication is worth the potential side effects.

When to Talk to Your Doctor or Dentist

Talk to your dentist or pediatrician if you notice symptoms of bruxism in your child, such as heightened mouth sensitivity, jaw pain, morning headaches, or grinding noises during the night or during naps. You should also consult a health care provider if your child is having trouble sleeping or showing signs of sleepiness during the day.