When Children Grind Their Teeth

Teeth grinding in children worries many parents. When it’s normal and when a visit makes sense — we explain it here.

published in “Eltern, Issue 4/2003”

When Children Grind Their Teeth

“My child is having nightmares,” parents think when their son or daughter grinds their teeth at night. But a little teeth grinding is normal.

Eltern: What’s behind nighttime teeth grinding?

During growth, the jaws change. And with them, the position of the upper and lower teeth relative to each other. Through grinding, they are continuously worn down so that they always fit together perfectly. So that the occlusion is correct, as it’s called in medical terms.

Eltern: So should you just let the little ones grind?

Not in every case. If a child frequently complains of neck or head pain in the morning, or if the dentist discovers that the enamel is heavily worn, the child is overdoing the teeth grinding and it should be examined by an orthodontist for children and adolescents .

Eltern: How can they help?

If severe grinding is caused by a misalignment of the teeth that won’t correct itself, the orthodontist fits a removable appliance for a short time.

Eltern: Are there other causes for grinding?

Teeth grinding can also be a sign of stress, for example at daycare. Sometimes, however, it’s also due to lymphatic congestion as a result of chronic tonsillitis or an allergy or food intolerance.
The child then unconsciously tries to drain the lymph through grinding movements. This possible cause is not very well known, however. It’s best to talk to the pediatrician about it.

Nighttime breathing also plays a role: If nighttime snoring is noticeable in addition to grinding, this should be evaluated orthodontically — both can indicate narrowed airways.

Editorial note (2026): This article is a reprint from “Eltern” (Issue 4/2003). According to current knowledge, the connection described here between teeth grinding and “draining lymph” is considered unproven. Today, growth and teething phases, stress, and sleep factors are the primary triggers for nighttime teeth grinding in children. If symptoms are frequent, dental or orthodontic evaluation is advisable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Grinding in Children

Is teeth grinding normal in children?

In many cases, yes. Especially in primary teeth and during tooth transition, many children grind temporarily, for example to adjust teeth to each other. Usually this is harmless and resolves on its own.

When should I have the grinding evaluated?

If the grinding is very pronounced, persists for a long time, leads to worn-down teeth, jaw or head pain, dental or orthodontic evaluation is advisable. Then we look for possible causes.

What causes teeth grinding in children?

During the primary and mixed dentition stages, grinding is often part of normal development. Beyond that, current knowledge points primarily to stress and tension, restless sleep, or sleep-related breathing problems (such as snoring) as contributing factors. Tooth or bite position, on the other hand, is rarely the actual cause. Often it is an interplay of several factors — we will take a close look at this together.

Does my child need a night guard?

In children, a night guard is needed less often than in adults and must be carefully considered due to ongoing growth. Whether it makes sense depends on the findings — often it is sufficient to monitor the development.

What can we do at home?

A calm evening routine, sufficient sleep, and avoiding excitement before bedtime can help. If you notice anything unusual about the teeth, please feel free to contact us — often a brief check is all that is needed.