That nighttime sound — a faint grind or clench — might catch your attention. Many kids go through a phase of teeth grinding, especially while they sleep. Most outgrow it, but it’s still worth keeping an eye on.
At Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry, we help parents understand when it’s normal, when it’s not, and what you can do in the meantime to protect your child’s growing smile.
Why Kids Grind Their Teeth
Grinding (also called bruxism) often happens during sleep. Kids don’t usually know they’re doing it, but it can show up as:
- Light clenching
- Occasional grinding sounds
- Sore jaws in the morning
- Tight muscles around the face
The reasons vary: some kids are processing emotions, others might have allergies or mouth breathing that change how their jaws rest. Bite alignment can also play a role. In many cases, it’s temporary and part of growing up.
When It’s Worth a Closer Look
A little nighttime noise isn’t always cause for concern. But it’s a good idea to bring it up with your child’s dentist if you notice:
- Teeth that look flattened, worn, or chipped
- Enamel that’s thinning without another clear reason
- Morning jaw soreness, tightness, or complaints of a “tired” face
- Headaches, especially around the temples
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
These can be signs that the grinding is more intense or chronic — and that it may be time to intervene.
What You Can Try at Home
You don’t need to overhaul everything, but a few small shifts might help:
- Clear those airways: If allergies or congestion are present, managing them can reduce mouth breathing and jaw tension.
- Relax the jaw: During the day, remind your child to rest with lips closed and teeth apart.
- Keep routines calm: Big transitions can trigger bruxism. Soothing bedtime routines and regular sleep help.
- Hydration matters: Dry mouths strain muscles more — water throughout the day can help.
- Watch posture and tech time: Forward head posture from device use can affect jaw alignment and tension, especially in older kids.
When a Nightguard Makes Sense
If grinding is causing damage or discomfort, we might recommend a custom nightguard — a soft appliance worn during sleep. It doesn’t stop the habit but cushions the impact, protecting enamel and reducing muscle tension. Not every child needs one — only if there’s a clear benefit.
Our Approach at Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry
We look at the full picture — teeth, jaw, sleep quality, medical history — and talk through what we see. Most of the time, it’s just a matter of monitoring. But if intervention helps, we’ll walk you through it step by step.
Concerned About Grinding? Let’s Take a Look
If you’ve noticed grinding or clenching — or your child has mentioned jaw soreness, headaches, or other symptoms — schedule a visit at Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry in Austin, TX. Dr. Ryu and Dr. Kim can assess what’s going on and explain what to watch for as your child grows.
Sometimes the first step is just knowing what’s normal — and what isn’t.