Dra. Cléo Salustiano In this article
SummaryWhat causes bruxism in children and what to expect at each ageHow the assessment works, when to use a night guard and what helps at homeFAQRead nextTeeth Grinding in Children: Is It Normal for a Child to Grind at Night?
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Childhood bruxism, or a child grinding their teeth during sleep, is common and often eases with growth, especially when it appears while teeth are coming in or changing. Causes are usually a mix of factors: sleep, breathing, tooth development and emotions. A dental assessment checks wear, pain and signs of breathing problems. Night guards are not the rule for children and are only used in selected cases. Frequent snoring, breathing pauses, pain or significant wear call for assessment and, if needed, referral to a pediatrician or pediatric dentist. In Mooca, Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844) sees patients every day, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
A child grinding their teeth during sleep is common and, in most cases, not a cause for alarm. Childhood bruxism tends to appear while teeth are coming in or being replaced and, in many children, it eases or disappears as they grow. Even so, it is worth taking your child to the dentist to check tooth wear and talk about sleep, breathing and routine: frequent snoring, pauses in breathing, headaches on waking or very worn teeth need attention.
Many parents arrive at the office worried by the noise, which can be loud and sound like sand being rubbed. That is understandable. In practice, the noise itself does not indicate severity: what the dentist looks for is significant wear, pain, sensitivity or signs that the child is not sleeping well.
Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844), a dentist in Mooca, explains what can cause bruxism in children, what is expected at each age, how the assessment works, when a night guard may be considered and which signs mean a referral to a pediatric dentist or pediatrician is needed.
This article comes from Dr. Cléo Salustiano's dental office in Mooca, São Paulo (care in English, Portuguese and Spanish). See the general dentistry page to learn how the treatment is done here and book your assessment.
What causes bruxism in children and what to expect at each age
Bruxism is the involuntary habit of grinding or clenching the teeth. In childhood, the most common form is sleep bruxism, which happens at night and which the child usually does not notice. It has no single cause: it tends to come from a combination of factors related to sleep, breathing, tooth development and emotions. That is why the assessment looks at the whole child, not only the teeth.
Factors often associated with it: teething and the switch from baby to adult teeth, while the bite is adjusting; mouth breathing, snoring, allergic rhinitis, enlarged adenoids or tonsils; restless or broken sleep; anxiety, changes in routine, starting school or a new sibling; screens and stimulation close to bedtime. Some health conditions and some medications may also be related, and this should be discussed with the child's pediatrician.
Bruxism in a 3-year-old: at this age the baby teeth are completing and grinding is relatively common. It is often temporary. The dentist checks whether the wear matches the child's age, whether there is pain or sensitivity and whether there are any signs of a breathing problem. Between about 6 and 12, in the mixed dentition phase, bruxism may also appear or increase while the adult teeth come in.
Baby teeth usually show some natural wear over time. The concern is when wear is significant, when the child complains of headaches or jaw pain on waking, when there is sensitivity to cold or when newly erupted adult teeth already show wear. To understand how wear affects enamel, see tooth enamel wear.
| What you notice | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Child grinds at night, with no pain or other signs | Common childhood sleep bruxism | Watch and bring it up at the routine visit |
| Grinding while teeth are coming in or changing | Bite adjusting during growth | Have the dentist monitor wear |
| Snoring, mouth open during sleep or breathing pauses | Possible breathing or sleep problem | Assessment by a pediatrician or ENT doctor |
| Headache or jaw pain on waking | Intense clenching or grinding | Assessment by the dentist |
| Adult teeth already worn, chipped or sensitive | Wear that may need protection | Assessment; a night guard may be considered |
How the assessment works, when to use a night guard and what helps at home
At the appointment, the dentist talks with the parents about sleep, snoring, breathing, routine and how long the habit has been going on, examines the teeth, bite, gums and jaw joint, and records the degree of wear to compare at later visits. In many simple cases, the approach is to guide the family and monitor. If there is early decay or sensitivity, the dentist may suggest fluoride or other preventive measures. More about how children are seen is in pediatric dentistry in Mooca.
Night guards for children are not the rule. Because a child's bones and teeth are still growing, a guard is usually reserved for selected situations, such as significant wear on adult teeth, frequent pain or risk of damage to the teeth. The decision is individual, made by the dentist after the exam, and the guard needs follow-up and adjustment as the child grows. Over-the-counter guards are not recommended. For teenagers and adults, bruxism treatment explains the options.
At home, it may help to keep regular sleep times, cut down on screens and lively activities before bed, create a calm routine (bath, reading, talking), notice whether the child snores or sleeps with their mouth open and write down what you see to bring to the appointment. Waking the child during grinding or putting objects in their mouth is not recommended. Do not give medication on your own: any medicine should only be given as advised by the pediatrician or dentist.
Signs that call for referral: loud and frequent snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, very restless sleep, sleepiness or tiredness during the day, frequent pain, very worn or broken teeth, or extensive decay. In these cases, the dentist assesses the child and, when needed, refers them to a pediatrician, an ENT doctor or a pediatric dentist. This content is for information only and does not replace an exam. Consult a dentist if you have questions. In Mooca, Dr. Cléo Salustiano sees patients every day, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., including Sundays and holidays, for general dentistry, including simple children's care such as prevention, cleaning and guidance.
Is it normal for a child to grind their teeth while sleeping?
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It is common, especially while teeth are coming in or changing, and it often eases with growth. Still, an assessment is worthwhile to check tooth wear and talk about sleep and breathing. Snoring, breathing pauses or pain need attention.
What causes bruxism in children?
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There is no single cause. Teething and tooth replacement, mouth breathing, snoring, rhinitis or enlarged adenoids and tonsils, restless sleep, anxiety and changes in routine are often involved. Some health conditions and medications may also play a role and should be reviewed with the pediatrician.
Should I worry if my 3-year-old grinds their teeth?
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Most of the time, no. At 3, the baby teeth are completing and grinding is relatively common. The dentist checks whether the wear matches the child's age and looks for signs of pain or breathing problems. If your child snores a lot or sleeps poorly, talk to the pediatrician too.
Does a child with bruxism need a night guard?
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Not always; in childhood a guard is not the rule. It may be considered in selected cases, such as significant wear on adult teeth or frequent pain. The dentist decides after the exam, and the guard needs adjusting as the child grows. Ready-made guards are not recommended.
Does teeth grinding in children go away on its own?
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In many children, the habit eases or stops with growth and the change of teeth. But there is no way to know in advance. The safest approach is to monitor wear at routine visits and seek an assessment if pain, sensitivity, snoring or daytime tiredness appear.
What can I do at home when my child grinds their teeth?
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Keep regular sleep times, reduce screens before bed, create a calm bedtime routine and notice whether your child snores or breathes through the mouth. Waking the child during grinding is not recommended. Do not give medication on your own; any medicine only as advised by the pediatrician or dentist.
Where can I have my child's teeth grinding checked in Mooca?
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In Mooca, Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844) sees simple children's cases, such as check-ups, prevention, cleaning and guidance, at Rua Hipódromo, 1141, every day, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., including holidays. When another professional is needed, she guides the referral. Appointments via WhatsApp (11) 97409-7834, in Portuguese, English or Spanish.
