This content is created by Misyondent Oral and Dental Health Clinic's team of expert dentists. reviewed by the clinical team and validated. It is based on current clinical literature and applied dental practice.
If that annoying noise from your child's room wakes you up at night, you are not alone. Many parents are curious about the sound of grinding teeth that they notice at bedtime: "Is this normal? Will something happen to your teeth? Should I see a specialist about this?" These are very pertinent questions. Teeth grinding in children - medical name bruxism - It is a very common condition, but it does not have the same cause and course in every case. In this guide, we will try to explain the causes, symptoms and when you should consult your dentist.
What is Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) in Children?
Bruxismis the involuntary rubbing or compression of the upper and lower teeth against each other. This action occurs mostly during sleep and is experienced without the person being aware of it. In children, bruxism occurs at two different peaks during the period of deciduous teeth (usually 3-6 years) and during adolescence with the eruption of permanent teeth.
Research shows that about thirty percent of pre-school children experience occasional teeth grinding. This rate tends to decrease towards adolescence; however, some may develop a chronic picture that extends into adulthood. The form of bruxism that occurs during sleep is called "sleep bruxism", while the compression that occurs while awake during the day is called "awake bruxism". The more common type in children is sleep bruxism.
What Causes Teeth Grinding in Children?
There is no single cause of bruxism in children; usually several factors play a role together.
- Causes related to tooth and jaw development: During the eruption of milk teeth or the transition from milk teeth to permanent teeth, the jaws get used to each other. The grinding that occurs during this transition phase is usually temporary and subsides spontaneously when the teeth are in place.
- Stress and emotional tension: Stressors in daily life, such as starting school, having a sibling, family changes or social pressures, can cause the jaw muscles to become overactive during sleep. Unlike adults, children do not express stress verbally, but through bodily reactions.
- Sleep problems and breathing difficulties: Breathing difficulties due to snoring, sleep apnea or nasal congestion are considered among the factors that increase the risk of bruxism during sleep. Teeth grinding may be observed more frequently in children with a history of adenoid and tonsil enlargement.
- Genetic predisposition: If there is a family history of bruxism, the likelihood of occurrence in children may increase. The genetic component is recognized as a determining factor, especially in sleep bruxism.
- Neurological and developmental differences: It is reported that the rate of bruxism is higher in children with neurodevelopmental diagnoses such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder compared to the general population.
What are the Symptoms of Teeth Grinding?
In addition to hearing the sound during sleep, some symptoms may be noticeable during daytime hours:
- Pain or stiffness in the jaw when waking up in the morning
- Headache, especially in the temples and forehead
- Difficulty sleeping or frequent awakenings
- A feeling of pressure similar to an earache (may come from the jaw joint, not the ear)
- Bite marks or tenderness on the inside of the cheeks
- Tension in the neck and shoulder muscles
The following findings can be noticed in the teeth, regardless of whether they are deciduous or permanent:
- Flattening or loss of shine on tooth surfaces
- Thinning of the enamel layer and increased sensitivity
- Fracture or irregularity of tooth edges
When you notice one or more of these findings, it will be useful to evaluate your child with a pedodontist (pediatric dentist). Our clinic pedodontics page You can find more information about our approach to pediatric dentistry.
Does Teeth Grinding Damage a Child's Teeth?
The answer to this question largely depends on how intense the grinding is and how long it lasts.
Mild and temporary bruxism in deciduous teeth does not usually damage the permanent teeth. Since deciduous teeth will be replaced by permanent teeth anyway, the wear that occurs during this period is usually within clinically acceptable limits.
However, prolonged and intense bruxism can create a different picture:
- Enamel wear (erosion): Enamel, the outermost protective layer of the tooth, can be irreversibly damaged. As the enamel wears away, teeth become sensitive to heat, cold and sweets.
- Jaw joint problems (TMJ disorder): The temporomandibular joint (the joint between the jaw and the skull) can be affected by excessive muscle activity and develop pain or restricted movement.
- The need for restoration at an early age: Intense wear may require fillings or veneers in some children. If there is an existing crown or filling, these treatments may also wear out faster.
Attention: If you have noticed significant flattening, sensitivity or discoloration of your child's teeth, we recommend that they see a dentist immediately. These changes can be an early sign of progressive enamel erosion.
When Does Bruxism Usually Go Away in Children?
In many children, bruxism spontaneously decreases or completely disappears by the time they reach adolescence or when the permanent teeth fully erupt. Therefore, there is no need to panic for mild bruxism during the baby teeth period; however, close follow-up is important.
In cases that continue after the eruption of permanent teeth, affect the family's sleep quality and the child's daytime energy, or cause clinical symptoms, treatment options may come into play. Each child's picture is different; the examination and evaluation of your physician is decisive.
What can be done in bruxism treatment?
Bruxism is a process that requires management and close follow-up rather than a condition that is directly "treated". Depending on the physician's assessment, the main recommended approaches are as follows.
Night Protective Plates (Occlusal Splint)
Occlusal splints are transparent aligners that are worn on the upper or lower teeth at night and absorb the bite force. Unlike the adult versions, the aligners used in children are designed not to restrict jaw development and require periodic updates in parallel with jaw growth. These aligners do not stop bruxism; they protect the teeth and joint from abrasion.
Stress and Emotional Support
In cases where bruxism is thought to be stress-related, psychological support, play therapy or breathing exercises are recommended. A calm and routine-based routine in the hours before bedtime - a quiet environment away from the screen - can help the jaw muscles to sleep more comfortably.
Sleep Environment and Physical Approaches
A warm shower before going to bed or short-term heat applied to the face can relax the jaw muscles. The sleeping position is also important: sleeping on your back may trigger bruxism less than sleeping on your side. If sleep apnea is suspected, this should be evaluated separately.
Clinical Note In our clinic, the condition of the jaw muscles and joints is first evaluated in children who will be offered a night plate. The measurements taken for the preparation of the aligners take a very short time and children usually spend this process very comfortably. It is recommended to check the aligners every 6 to 12 months and renew them if necessary, as the child is in the growth period.
Things You Can Do at Home - Parent Checklist
Steps you can take at home before going to the clinic or to support the treatment process:
- Turn off all screens 1 hour before bedtime; tablet, TV and phone should be removed from the room if possible during this period
- Avoid making the stressful events of the day the topic of bedtime conversation; instead, talk about good memories with your child
- Limit hard foods that require chewing (jelly beans, hard candy, iced drinks), especially in the evening
- Magnesium deficiency is being investigated in relation to bruxism; however, be sure to consult your physician before starting supplements
- Instead of waking the child when you hear the sound of bruxism, write down your observations during the day and share them with the dentist
Team Misyondent: Many parents who come to our clinic have waited too long, thinking that teeth grinding is just a temporary habit. There are indeed many cases where bruxism goes away on its own - but the difference between noticing it and ignoring it can mean enamel damage or jaw joint fatigue that could have been prevented with early intervention. A small examination is the easiest way to prevent big problems early on.
Teeth Whitening Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will my child's teeth grinding spread to the permanent teeth?
Bruxism that starts during the period of milk teeth is not always carried over to the period of permanent teeth. In many children, the picture resolves spontaneously around the age of 6-7, when the permanent teeth begin to erupt. However, this process may be prolonged in cases related to stress or respiratory problems; therefore, close follow-up is important.
Do night plates hinder a child's jaw development?
Night aligners, which are specially designed for children and updated with growth, are produced in a way that does not adversely affect jaw development. We recommend that you discuss this issue openly with your doctor and do not interrupt the aligner follow-up.
Is my child's bruxism related to stress or tooth development?
To make this distinction, the age of the child, the stage of the teeth and the daytime behavior pattern should be evaluated together. It is not possible to make a decision based on a single marker. Your doctor will guide you by conducting both an oral examination and an anamnesis interview.
How old can teeth grinding start?
Bruxism can start as early as 2-3 years of age with the eruption of the first deciduous teeth. Bruxism in this age group is mostly temporary; however, it is recommended to be evaluated by a pedodontist.
How can I reach your clinic in Bahçelievler?
Our clinic is located at Bahçelievler Mahallesi, Colonel İbrahim Karaoğlanoğlu Sokak No: 20B. It is easily accessible by public transportation or car from Güngören, Bağcılar and Bakırköy districts. For address and directions our contact page you can visit.
At what age should my child have their first dental check-up?
The Turkish Dental Association and international pediatric dentistry guidelines recommend that the first examination should be performed with the eruption of the first deciduous tooth or at the latest at 12 months. Early examination is extremely valuable both in terms of monitoring tooth development and familiarizing the child with the clinical environment.
Is medication used for bruxism?
There is no routine drug administration in the treatment of bruxism in children. If there is a neurological or psychiatric comorbidity, additional support can be received with the guidance of the relevant specialist physician; however, this decision should never be made independently by the family.
A Squeaking Sound Can Signal a Big Opportunity
That noise you hear at night should not be underestimated, but it is not cause for immediate panic. Bruxism in children is indeed common, and in many cases it will subside spontaneously over time. The important thing is to evaluate with a specialist whether the teeth are protected during this process and whether there is an underlying cause.
Three critical points to watch: How long the symptoms have been present, whether there are any visible changes in the teeth, and how your child's daytime energy and sleep quality are. Writing down these three pieces of information and sharing them with your doctor will make the examination much more productive.
Regular dental check-ups - every six months - are the most practical way to recognize bruxism at an early stage and intervene before it progresses. Detartraj (dental scaling) Routine examinations, including routine check-ups, enable both general oral health and follow-up of such conditions.
Misyondent Polyclinic for Your Child's Dental Health in Bahçelievler
As Misyondent, we show the importance we attach to pediatric dentistry in the way we welcome our little patients who take their first step into our clinic. We adopt a calm and reassuring approach for children who are unfamiliar with the clinical environment, perhaps a little shy or curious. Our DoctorsThe team conducts a personalized assessment based on the child's age and developmental status and clearly informs both you and your child about the process.
Thanks to our location in Bahçelievler, we can easily reach families from Güngören, Bağcılar, Bakırköy, Küçükçekmece, Bayrampaşa, Esenler and Zeytinburnu. If you live on the European Side and want to give your child's dental health the importance it deserves, there is only one reason to choose us: we make time for you.
For your child our pedodontics page to learn more about our services. The next step is very simple; you can call +90 533 397 65 56 to schedule an appointment or call online appointment form you can fill in the form. We are waiting for all our families from Bahçelievler and neighboring districts.
This content, Misyondent Oral and Dental Health Clinic specialized dentists in line with current clinical literature and professional experience. It is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For individual assessment appointment with our specialist physicians is recommended.
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Dt. Deniz Caliskan
Aesthetic Dentist - Misyondent
Expert authorBorn in 1987, Dt. Deniz Çalışkan completed her dental education at Sofia University. Specializing in aesthetic dentistry, Çalışkan offers customized solutions for each patient in zirconium veneers, smile design and minimally invasive treatments.
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