Why Do Kids Grind Their Teeth at Night? Causes, Risk Factors, and What Parents Can Do

Many parents have experienced this situation: you peek into your child's room before bed, and instead of peaceful silence, you hear an unsettling grinding or scraping sound coming from their mouth. It's enough to make any parent wonder whether something is wrong.

The good news is that teeth grinding—medically known as bruxism—is actually pretty common in children. In many cases, it's a temporary part of childhood that doesn't cause lasting harm and resolves on its own as a child grows up (1). However, persistent or severe grinding can sometimes lead to tooth wear, jaw discomfort, or may point to an underlying issue that deserves attention (2).

Understanding why children grind their teeth, what signs to watch for, and when to talk with your child's dentist or healthcare provider can help you feel better about what steps, if any, need to be taken.

Bruxism is the involuntary clenching, grinding, or gnashing of the teeth. It can occur while a person is awake or sleeping. In children, nighttime or sleep bruxism is much more common than grinding during the day (2).

Many children don't even realize they're grinding their teeth because it happens while they're asleep. Parents are often the first to notice it after hearing it while checking on their child at night. The condition is most common during preschool and early school-age years and often becomes less frequent as children get older (2).

While the sound can be alarming, it's important to remember that not every child who grinds their teeth needs treatment. Many children never develop symptoms beyond the occasional nighttime grinding, and the habit often disappears without intervention (1).

A common question parents ask is, "Why does my child grind their teeth at night?" 

The answer isn't always so black and white. Experts believe sleep bruxism doesn't have one single cause; rather, it's likely influenced by a combination of physical, developmental, genetic, and environmental factors (2).

For many children, teeth grinding may be a normal part of development. It frequently occurs during periods of growth when the teeth and jaws are changing, such as when baby teeth are erupting or when permanent teeth start growing in (1).

As a child’s mouth continues to grow and their bite changes, occasional grinding may simply be a signal of their developing chewing muscles and nervous system. In many cases, the habit gradually fades without any treatment as children mature (2).

Although children may not always have the vocabulary to describe their emotions, stress can sometimes manifest physically, including through nighttime teeth grinding (2).

Potential sources of stress might include:

• Starting a new school
• Moving to a new home
• Changes in family routines
• Welcoming a new sibling
• Academic pressures
• Excitement before holidays or special events

This doesn't mean every child who grinds their teeth is anxious, but emotional stress is considered one of several factors that may contribute to bruxism in some children (2).

Sleep bruxism is closely connected with how the brain regulates sleep. Rather than occurring during deep sleep, grinding episodes often happen briefly as a child moves between the different sleep stages (3).

Researchers have also found associations between sleep bruxism and certain sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, and restless sleep (2). While grinding doesn't necessarily mean a child has a sleep disorder, parents should mention persistent grinding to a pediatrician or dentist if it's accompanied by loud snoring, pauses in breathing, waking up frequently during the night, or excessive daytime sleepiness (3).

For more information on supporting healthy sleep: Sleep Essentials For Kids

For many years, dentists believed that misaligned teeth or an improper bite were major causes of bruxism. More recent research suggests the relationship is much weaker than what was once thought (2).

While certain dental conditions may contribute to teeth grinding in some children, experts now believe that sleep bruxism is primarily related to the nervous system and sleep regulation rather than simply how teeth fit together (3).

A common myth surrounding childhood teeth grinding is that it's a sign of intestinal worms or other parasites. This belief has existed for decades and continues to circulate widely on social media and parenting forums.

The truth is that there is currently no strong scientific evidence showing that parasites are directly connected to sleep bruxism (2,4,5). While a few older studies observed that some children with intestinal parasites also ground their teeth at night, these studies weren’t able to determine whether the parasites caused the grinding or whether the two conditions were happening simultaneously.

One proposed explanation is that certain parasitic infections may disrupt sleep or cause nighttime discomfort, which could indirectly increase nighttime movement or teeth grinding in some children (4). This remains a theory rather than a proven cause-and-effect relationship, however.

If a child has teeth grinding and symptoms that raise concern for a parasitic infection—such as persistent anal itching—especially at night—visible worms in the stool, unexplained abdominal pain, diarrhea, poor weight gain, or recent exposure to someone with pinworms—it's reasonable to contact their pediatrician. In those situations, the child should be evaluated based on their symptoms rather than assuming that teeth grinding alone indicates parasites.

For most otherwise healthy children who grind their teeth but have no other concerning symptoms, experts recommend looking first at the much more common contributors to sleep bruxism, including normal development, sleep patterns, stress, and certain sleep disorders (2).

You might also be interested in: The Cyclospora Parasite: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention for Families

Some children who grind their teeth have no symptoms at all beyond the grinding sound itself. In fact, many cases of sleep bruxism are first noticed by a parent or sibling who hears the noise during the night (1). For other children, however, repeated grinding may begin to cause symptoms over time. 

Signs of sleep bruxism can include (6):

• Grinding or clenching noises during sleep
• Flattened, chipped, or worn teeth
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Jaw soreness or stiffness, especially in the morning
• Facial muscle discomfort
• Morning headaches
• Pain when chewing
• Small cracks in tooth enamel
• Indentations along the sides of the tongue or inside the cheeks from repeated pressure

It's important to remember that not every child with one of these symptoms has bruxism, and not every child who grinds their teeth develops symptoms. That's one reason routine dental checkups are so important—your child's dentist can often spot the more subtle signs of tooth wear before they're obvious to parents (7).

The answer depends on how often the grinding occurs and how much force is involved.

Fortunately, most childhood bruxism is mild and temporary. Many children outgrow the habit without inflicting lasting damage (1).

When grinding is occasional and doesn't cause pain or significant tooth wear, treatment often isn't necessary. Instead, your child's dentist may simply monitor their teeth during routine visits to ensure that no new problems develop (1).

For many families, the most reassuring thing to know is that the sound of grinding is often much more alarming than its effects (2).

In some children, however, persistent or forceful grinding can begin to affect oral health. Over time, repeated pressure on the teeth and jaw muscles can lead to (7):

• Excessive tooth wear
• Chipped or fractured teeth
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort
• Difficulty chewing comfortably
• Damage to crowns, fillings, or other dental restorations

If sleep bruxism is linked to an underlying sleep disorder, the child may also experience poor-quality sleep, fatigue, or behavioral concerns related to disrupted rest (8).

Although these complications are less common, they're one reason dentists keep an eye on persistent or severe grinding instead of assuming every child will outgrow it.

While there's no guaranteed way to prevent nighttime teeth grinding, there are several steps parents can take to support their child's oral health and encourage healthy sleep habits.

Routine dental visits are one of the most important ways to monitor childhood bruxism. Even if your child isn't complaining of discomfort, a dentist can identify early signs of tooth wear, evaluate whether the grinding appears to be getting worse, and determine if any treatment is necessary (1).

If the grinding is mild and your child's teeth are healthy, your dentist may simply continue to monitor the situation over time.

For more information on dental care: A Guide to Toddler Dental Care

Because sleep bruxism is closely linked to the sleep cycle, establishing good sleep habits may help improve overall sleep quality (3).

Parents can support healthy sleep by:

• Maintaining a consistent bedtime and wake-up schedule
• Creating a calming bedtime routine
• Limiting screen time before bed
• Making sure the bedroom is quiet, dark, and comfortable
• Helping children get the recommended amount of sleep for their age

Although these habits won't necessarily stop teeth grinding, they promote better sleep overall and can reduce other factors that interfere with restful sleep.

Stress isn't the cause of every case of bruxism, but it may contribute for some children (2). If your child seems anxious or overwhelmed, encouraging healthy coping strategies may be helpful. 

Depending on your child's age, this may include:

• Talking about their worries before bedtime
• Reading together
• Practicing deep breathing or simple relaxation exercises
• Keeping predictable daily routines
• Making time for regular physical activity and play

If stress or anxiety seems to be significantly affecting your child's daily life, discussing your concerns with their pediatrician may also be beneficial.

For more information on how to spot anxiety: Symptoms of Anxiety in Children

Nighttime teeth grinding is common during childhood, and while the sound can be alarming, it's usually not a cause for panic. Many children experience sleep bruxism as they grow and develop, and most outgrow the habit without lasting damage to their teeth or jaws (1).

Although myths linking teeth grinding to worms or parasites remain common, current research does not support parasites as a typical cause of childhood bruxism. If your child has symptoms of a parasitic infection in addition to grinding their teeth, it's worth discussing those concerns with their pediatrician. But teeth grinding on its own is not usually a sign of worms (2,4,5).

The key is knowing when to seek professional guidance. If your child develops jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, noticeable tooth wear, or grinding that's accompanied by loud snoring or other signs of a sleep disorder, it's worth mentioning to your child's dentist or pediatrician (1,7).

Regular dental checkups, healthy sleep habits, and noting changes in your child's symptoms can go a long way toward maintaining their oral health. When parents stay informed and work closely with their child's healthcare providers, most cases of childhood bruxism can be managed with reassurance, monitoring, and treatment only when it's truly needed.