Is My Child Grinding Their Teeth? How Pediatric Dentists Monitor and Manage Bruxism

Understanding Bruxism in Children

If you’ve noticed your child making grinding noises at night or complaining of jaw pain, you may wonder: Is my child grinding their teeth? This condition, known as bruxism, is surprisingly common in children and can have lasting effects if not properly managed. As the leading pediatric dentist San Diego residents trust, Sunray Pediatric Dentistry is dedicated to helping parents recognize, monitor, and treat bruxism to protect their child’s smile.

Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often occurring during sleep. While many children outgrow this habit, persistent bruxism can lead to dental and jaw problems if left untreated.

Look for these common symptoms of pediatric bruxism:

• Tooth pain or sensitivity

• Jaw pain, fatigue, or headaches (especially in the morning)

• Cracked, chipped, or worn-down teeth

• Grinding or clicking sounds during sleep

• Frequent waking at night or difficulty eating due to jaw discomfort

• Neck aches or enlarged jaw muscles

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to consult a pediatric dentist in San Diego for a thorough evaluation.

Diagnosing bruxism in children involves a combination of parental observations and clinical examination:

• Parent or caregiver reports of grinding noises during sleep are often the first clue.
• Dental examination for abnormal tooth wear, jaw muscle tenderness, or changes in bite.
• Assessment of symptoms such as morning headaches, jaw pain, or difficulty opening the mouth.
• In rare cases, advanced tools like polysomnography (sleep studies) or EMG devices may be used for complex cases.

Pediatric dentists may also ask about stressors or behavioral changes, as stress can be a contributing factor in bruxism.

Early intervention by a pediatric dentist in San Diego can prevent:

• Excessive tooth wear and damage to permanent teeth
• Jaw development issues or temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD)
• Chronic pain or headaches that affect daily life

Management strategies are tailored to each child’s needs and may include:

• Monitoring: Many young children outgrow bruxism as they lose baby teeth and develop permanent ones. Regular dental checkups help track changes.
• Mouthguards: Custom-fitted night guards protect teeth from further damage in moderate to severe cases.
• Behavioral strategies: Addressing stress, improving sleep hygiene, and discouraging habits like nail-biting.
• Treating underlying causes: Managing allergies, earaches, or other medical issues that may contribute to grinding.

Your pediatric dentist in San Diego will recommend the best approach for your child’s unique situation.

Schedule a visit with Sunray Pediatric Dentistry if:

• You hear grinding noises from your child at night
• Your child complains of jaw pain, headaches, or tooth sensitivity
• You notice visible tooth wear, cracks, or chips

Prompt evaluation ensures your child receives the right care to protect their developing smile.

At Sunray Pediatric Dentistry, our experienced team uses the latest diagnostic tools and gentle, child-friendly techniques to monitor and manage bruxism. If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth grinding, contact us today to schedule an appointment with a trusted pediatric dentist in San Diego.

Help your child rest easy and smile bright—let Sunray Pediatric Dentistry guide you every step of the way.