Article verified and updated on January 16, 2026
Hearing their child grind their teeth during sleep can be alarming for parents. This phenomenon, called bruxism, is actually very common in young children. If it often disappears on its own, it sometimes requires special attention to protect the permanent dentition to come.
- Causes: Often related to jaw growth, stress, or dental misalignment.
- Symptoms: Nocturnal grinding noise, headaches upon waking, premature tooth wear.
- Risks: Tooth sensitivity, enamel damage, and jaw joint pain (TMJ).
- Solution: Observation, stress management, and, in some cases, wearing a custom-made occlusal splint.
What is bruxism in children?
Bruxism is the involuntary contraction of the jaw muscles. In children, it mainly manifests in two ways:
- The grinding: A lateral rubbing of the upper teeth against the lower ones (often noisy at night).
- The clenching: A strong static pressure, more silent but just as damaging.
The 3 “Rich” causes (what they often don’t tell you)
- The instability of occlusion (The mechanical cause)
During childhood, the mouth is constantly changing. Baby teeth fall out, permanent teeth come in. If the teeth don’t fit together perfectly (like a misaligned jigsaw puzzle), the brain tells the jaw to “grind” in an attempt to even out the surface. It’s a self-adjusting reaction.
- The link with sleep and ENT (The medical cause)
Recent studies show a strong link between bruxism and respiratory disorders. If a child has large tonsils or adenoids, their airways are narrowed. Teeth grinding can be a reflexive attempt by the body to move the lower jaw forward and open the airways for better breathing.
- Performance anxiety (The psychological cause)
Even young children experience stress: school, new activities, or family changes. Bruxism is often a safety valve to release the tensions accumulated during the day.
Causes, impacts, and solutions: Summary table
Here is an overview of the triggers and ways to intervene to protect your child’s smile.
| Feature | Centric Bruxism (Clenching) | Eccentric Bruxism (Grinding) |
|---|---|---|
| Manifestation | Strong vertical pressure (clenched teeth). | Lateral movements (friction). |
| Nighttime Noise | Silent, difficult to detect. | Grating or sand-like crunching sound. |
| Main Damage | Internal cracks and muscle pain. | Enamel wear (shortened teeth). |
| Primary Solution | Relaxation and stress management. | Night guard (Bite plate) or Orthodontics. |
When should we worry?
Although bruxism often disappears after the loss of baby teeth, you should consult a dentist in Montreal if you notice:
- Visible wear: The teeth appear shorter or “flat.”
Pain: Your child complains of headaches or jaw pain upon waking.
Hypersensitivity: He reacts strongly to cold or heat (a sign that the enamel is thinning).
5 concrete tips for parents at home
- The “zero screen” routine: Blue light stimulates the brain and can increase nighttime muscle contractions. Turn off screens 90 minutes before bedtime.
- Jaw massage: Apply a warm washcloth to your child’s cheeks before bedtime and gently massage to relax the masseter muscles.
- Hydration: Dehydration is sometimes linked to an increase in bruxism. Make sure he drinks water regularly.
- Check the breathing: If your child snores or sleeps with their mouth open, talk to your dentist; bruxism may just be a symptom of a larger problem.
- Avoid chewing gum: Chewing gum during the day unnecessarily tires the jaw muscles and can worsen the clenching reflex at nite.
The solution: The occlusal plate
For older children (often after the appearance of some permanent teeth), we can design a custom occlusal plate.
- Comfortable: It is adjusted to the precise morphology of the child.
- Protective: It creates a physical barrier that prevents premature enamel wear.
- Silent: It eliminates the grinding noise, much to the delight of parents!
FAQ - Your questions about childhood bruxism
-
Is teeth grinding related to intestinal worms?
It's an old popular belief, but no scientific study proves a link between parasites and bruxism. The causes are generally mechanical or psychological.
-
Will my child damage their permanent teeth?
The risk exists if bruxism persists after 6-7 years. Regular monitoring allows us to check if the wear reaches the dentin.
-
What are the tricks to reduce stress before bedtime?
Avoid screens one hour before bedtime, opt for reading or a warm bath to relax the muscles of the face and neck.
Personalized follow-up at the 1935 Dental Clinic
Located near Plateau Mont-Royal, our team specializes in children’s care. We will take the time to evaluate your little one’s jaw and offer you the gentlest solution possible.