My Child Is Grinding Their Baby Teeth – What Should I Do?

If you’ve noticed your child grinding their teeth while they sleep, you’re not alone. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common issue in children, especially those under age 7. At Mansouri Family Dental Care & Associates in Marietta, GA, we often receive concerned calls from parents who hear the unmistakable grinding sound coming from their child’s bedroom. The good news? In most cases, it’s harmless and temporary.

How Common Is Teeth Grinding in Children?

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, up to 30% of children experience bruxism. It typically starts around the toddler years and peaks during early childhood. Most children outgrow it by the time their permanent teeth come in, around age 6–7.

Why Do Kids Grind Their Teeth?

There’s no single cause of bruxism in children, but common reasons include:

• Misaligned baby teeth
• Response to teething pain
• Stress, anxiety, or hyperactivity
• Allergies or mouth breathing
• Sleep disorders

In Marietta and surrounding Georgia communities, we see bruxism in children as young as 2 years old. Many parents discover it during regular dental visits or when they notice wear on the baby teeth.

Should I Be Concerned?

In most cases, no. Baby teeth are temporary, and grinding usually doesn’t cause serious damage. But if your child’s bruxism continues into adolescence or starts affecting their permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look.

Signs that treatment may be needed:

• Jaw pain or headaches
• Worn or chipped teeth
• Tooth sensitivity
• Difficulty sleeping or waking up tired
• Earaches not caused by infection

If you notice any of these signs, schedule an evaluation with one of our pediatric dentists in Marietta. We’ll examine your child’s bite, discuss habits, and determine whether intervention is necessary.

FAQs About Bruxism in Children

At Mansouri Family Dental Care & Associates, we often have parents asking us what to do about teeth grinding. The following are commonly asked questions we hear about childhood bruxism:

Q: At what age do kids typically grind their teeth?

A: Most children who grind their teeth start between the ages of 3 and 6. It usually decreases once permanent teeth erupt.

Q: Is bruxism dangerous?

A: Occasional grinding isn’t harmful, but if it leads to pain, tooth damage, or sleep disruption, it should be evaluated by a dentist.

Q: Does my child need a nightguard?

A: Nightguards are rarely recommended for baby teeth. However, if grinding persists into the teen years, a custom guard may be considered.

Q: Can stress cause teeth grinding in kids?

A: Yes. Changes at home, school stress, or anxiety can trigger bruxism in children, just as it can in adults.

What You Can Do as a Parent

If your child is grinding their teeth, there are some options parents can try to reduce the frequency. These include:

• Attend regular dental checkups to monitor wear
• Encourage relaxation before bedtime
• Limit screen time and sugar before sleep
• Create a calming bedtime routine
• Ensure your child is breathing properly at night

At Mansouri Family Dental Care & Associates, we’ve been helping families in Marietta, East Cobb, and the surrounding Georgia area care for their children’s smiles for over 20 years. If you’re concerned about your child grinding their teeth, let us help ease your worries and keep your child’s smile healthy.

Schedule a pediatric dental evaluation today—we’re here to guide you with expert care and peace of mind.