Why Does My Child Grind His/Her Teeth at Night?

There are many theories as to why some children grind their teeth in their sleep (bruxism), from issues related to the development of primary teeth to theories relating to inner ear pressure equalization.  Parents often become concerned when they discover that their child is grinding their teeth at night, however the majority of cases of pediatric bruxism do not require any treatment.  Almost all children outgrow bruxism.  The grinding usually decreases between the ages of 6 and 9, and children tend to stop grinding by age 12.  If you suspect bruxism, discuss this with your pediatrician or schedule an appointment with our office to discuss this with Dr. Sjostrom.