Children Bruxism

Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, is relatively common in children and often occurs during sleep. While stress, developing teeth, or bite changes can contribute, growing evidence suggests that airway issues may play an important role in some children who grind their teeth at night.

When a child has difficulty breathing during sleep—due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids, chronic nasal congestion, allergies, or a narrow airway—the body may respond by activating the jaw and facial muscles. This movement can help reposition the lower jaw and tongue forward, briefly opening the airway to improve airflow. Over time, this protective response may present as nighttime tooth grinding or jaw clenching.

Children with airway-related bruxism may also show other signs such as mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, bedwetting, frequent awakenings, dark circles under the eyes, or daytime fatigue and behavioral challenges. Left unaddressed, ongoing airway disruption can affect sleep quality, facial growth, dental development, and overall health.

Early evaluation is important. A collaborative approach involving a pediatric dentist, physician, and sometimes an ENT or sleep specialist can help identify airway concerns and guide treatment. Addressing the underlying airway issue—rather than just the tooth grinding—can lead to healthier sleep, improved development, and better long-term outcomes for the child.