Teeth grinding in children — why kids grind at night and when it matters

Key facts

• Grinding is common in children and often decreases with age
• Linked to bite development, stress, sleep and medicines
• Snoring, mouth breathing or breathing pauses need assessment
• Night guards are not routine for young children with growing jaws
• Check if there is significant wear, jaw pain or headaches

Why children grind their teeth

Grinding is often part of normal development. As baby teeth come in and later as adult teeth replace them, children may grind while their bite settles. Other common contributors include stress or anxiety, for example around school changes, illness, ear or teething discomfort in younger children, and certain medicines. Children with ADHD or some neurological conditions grind more often. Sleep is a key factor: grinding frequently occurs during lighter sleep stages and brief arousals, so anything that disrupts sleep can make it more likely. Many children grow out of grinding by adolescence, though some continue into adulthood.

The link with airway and sleep

Research shows an association between grinding in children and sleep-disordered breathing, which includes snoring, mouth breathing and, in some children, obstructive sleep apnoea. Enlarged tonsils or adenoids, allergies and a blocked nose can narrow the airway during sleep, and grinding may occur alongside the brief awakenings this causes. Signs worth mentioning to the dentist or paediatrician include loud regular snoring, pauses or gasps in breathing, restless sleep, bedwetting after it had stopped, daytime tiredness, difficulty concentrating or behavioural changes. In these cases, the focus is on assessing breathing rather than simply protecting the teeth.

When grinding matters

For many children, grinding produces only mild flattening of baby teeth, which are lost anyway. It is worth a check if you notice significant wear or chipping, especially on adult teeth, tooth sensitivity, jaw pain or headaches on waking, difficulty opening the mouth, clicking or locking of the jaw, or if grinding is happening during the day as well. Grinding with signs of disturbed breathing during sleep should always be assessed. The dentist will also look for other causes of wear, such as acidic drinks or reflux, because these can make teeth more vulnerable.

How it is assessed and managed

The dentist examines the teeth for wear patterns, checks the jaw joints and muscles, looks at the bite and the size of the tonsils where visible, and asks about sleep, breathing, stress and habits. Most children need only monitoring and reassurance. Good sleep routines, limiting screens before bed, reducing caffeine from soft drinks, and addressing worries can help. Night guards are not routinely used in young children because their jaws are growing, but may be considered for older children or teenagers with significant wear on adult teeth. If airway problems are suspected, referral to a paediatrician or ENT specialist, and sometimes an orthodontic airway assessment, is advised.

What parents can do

Keep a simple record of what you notice: how often grinding happens, whether your child snores, breathes through the mouth or seems tired in the day. Take short videos of night-time breathing if you are concerned, as these help the doctor. Encourage a calm bedtime routine and regular sleep hours. Talk with your child about anything worrying them at school or home. Avoid sugary or acidic drinks in the evening, which worsen wear. Book a dental check if grinding is loud and frequent, or sooner if there is jaw pain, chipped teeth or signs of breathing difficulty during sleep.

Grinding and clenching, often during sleep, wear teeth down, crack fillings and strain the jaw muscles. A custom night guard spreads the forces and protects your teeth and restorations.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Fariba Alnoory, Dr. Manhal Helfawee

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.