Hearing your child grind their teeth at night can be unsettling for any parent. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is actually quite common in children and often part of normal development. Still, many families in Honolulu, Pearl City, Kapolei, Kailua, and Lihue wonder whether this habit is harmless or a sign that something more serious is going on.

What Is Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)?

Teeth grinding occurs when a child clenches or grinds their teeth, most commonly during sleep. Some children may also grind during the day, especially when concentrating or feeling stressed. Many parents only discover the habit after hearing grinding sounds at night or noticing changes in their child’s teeth.

Why Do Children Grind Their Teeth?

There isn’t just one reason children grind their teeth. In many cases, it’s related to normal growth and development. Common causes include:

• Developmental Changes: As baby teeth come in and later fall out to make room for permanent teeth, grinding can occur. This is especially common in toddlers and younger children and often resolves on its own.

• Stress or Anxiety: Changes in routine, school pressures, family transitions, or even excitement can contribute to teeth grinding. Children in busy households or adjusting to new environments in places like Honolulu or Kapolei may express stress in this way.

• Bite Alignment Issues: If the upper and lower teeth don’t align properly, a child may grind their teeth as their jaw tries to find a comfortable position.

Signs Your Child May Be Grinding Their Teeth

Some children grind loudly, while others do it quietly. Possible signs include:

• Audible grinding sounds during sleep

• Complaints of jaw soreness or headaches, especially in the morning

• Tooth sensitivity or pain

• Flattened, chipped, or worn teeth

• Tight or tired jaw muscles

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to bring them up at your child’s next dental visit.

When Should Parents Be Concerned?

While many children outgrow teeth grinding, it’s important to seek professional guidance if:

• Grinding is frequent or intense

• Your child experiences jaw pain or headaches

• Teeth show visible wear, chips, or cracks

• Your child complains of discomfort when chewing

• Sleep quality seems poor or disrupted

Early evaluation by a pediatric dentist can help prevent long-term issues and protect your child’s developing smile.

How Pediatric Dentists Help Manage Teeth Grinding

At Pediatric Dental Group, A KIDSHINE Family Practice, we take a gentle, individualized approach to bruxism. Depending on your child’s age and symptoms, we may recommend:

• Monitoring tooth wear over time

• Addressing bite or alignment concerns

• Discussing stress-reduction techniques

• Evaluating sleep habits or breathing patterns

• Creating a custom night guard for older children, if needed

Our goal is always to protect your child’s oral health while supporting their comfort and overall well-being.

Schedule Your Child’s Dental Evaluation Today

Teeth grinding in children is often a normal part of growing up, but it shouldn’t be ignored - especially if it’s causing discomfort or damage to the teeth. Understanding why it’s happening and knowing when to worry can help parents take proactive steps to protect their child’s smile. With regular dental visits and professional guidance, most cases of childhood teeth grinding can be managed effectively and safely.

If you’ve noticed signs of teeth grinding, the team at Pediatric Dental Group, A KIDSHINE Family Practice is here to help. We proudly serve families in Honolulu, Pearl City, Kapolei, Kailua, and Lihue with compassionate dental care. We offer comprehensive pediatric dental care, orthodontics, oral surgery, adult dentistry, and hospital dentistry throughout all our KIDSHINE family practices. We ensure that children and adults throughout the islands have access to quality dental care they need for healthy teeth and overall well-being. Please call (808) 245-2131 or (808) 593-8828 to book an appointment today.