Kids feel pressure too. Exams, friendship drama, a big sports carnival; the school day is full of moments that can pile up quietly. The tricky thing is that stress in children doesn’t always look the way you’d expect. Sometimes, instead of tears or tantrums, it shows up at night, in the jaw, as clenching and grinding.
What Is Teeth Grinding and Why Does It Happen?
Teeth grinding, known clinically as bruxism, is the act of clenching or grinding teeth, often without realising it. In children, it most commonly happens during sleep. Stress and anxiety can be contributing factors for some children. The challenge is that many kids have no idea they’re doing it at all.
Signs Worth Paying Attention to
Parents are often the first to notice something is off. Common signs that a child may be grinding or clenching include waking up with a sore jaw or headaches, complaining of tooth sensitivity, teeth that look worn or flattened, and restless sleep. These signs don’t always mean bruxism, but they’re worth mentioning to your dentist.
What Happens If It Goes Unaddressed
Over time, regular grinding can wear down tooth enamel, strain jaw muscles, and cause discomfort that affects eating and concentration. In children whose teeth and jaws are still developing, notising these patterns early may help guide timely dental advice and monitoring.
What Your Dentist Can Do
If you suspect your child may be clenching or grinding, bring it up at their next checkup. The team at Cure Dental will look for signs of wear, assess the jaw, and talk through options to help manage the issue. A custom-fitted nightguard may be recommended in some cases to help protect the teeth during sleep. Other approaches, such as stress-reduction strategies, may also be suggested alongside any dental management.
The key is not to wait and wonder. A quick conversation at an appointment is all it takes to get the right guidance.