Teeth Grinding in Children Isn’t Always What It Seems
Learn what may be worth paying attention to and when it might be helpful to explore further
Many parents notice teeth grinding, snoring, or restless sleep but aren’t sure what it means.
We’re here to help you understand common signs, how they may relate to sleep patterns, and what steps you can take if you’re concerned.
Have you noticed any of these?
âś“Grinding or clenching sounds during sleep
âś“ Mouth breathing at night
âś“ Jaw discomfort or morning headaches
âś“ Restless or disrupted sleep
âś“Worn, chipped, or flattened teeth
âś“ Morning tiredness or trouble concentrating
These signs can have many different causes, but they can be worth paying attention to
Why do some children grind their teeth?
Teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) can occur for a range of reasons.
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In some children, it may be associated with sleep patterns or how they breathe during sleep.
Researchers continue to explore how sleep quality, breathing, and jaw activity may be connected in certain cases.
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Understanding these possibilities can help guide what to look for and whether further support may be helpful.
The quality of our sleep has a big impact on us during the day
Sleep plays an important role in:
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Focus and concentration
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Learning and memory
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Emotional regulation
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Daytime energy levels
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When our breathing is not optimal, our body will compensate — this may be shown through restless sleep or teeth grinding.
What Should Parents Do Next?
Not every child who grinds their teeth needs treatment.
The most important step is simply understanding why and whether it may be worth exploring further or not.
How the Process Works
Step 1 – Parent Information Call
Speak with our friendly patient education team we are here to answer any questions you may have.
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Step 2 – Clinical Assessment (If Appropriate)
If it’s suitable, you may be guided toward a consultation with Dr Mark Levi, who can provide personalised clinical advice.
Dr Mark Levi (Dentist)
"Supporting the airway, breathing and sleep
to help children thrive"
Dr Mark Levi has over 30 years of experience as a dentist, with more than 20 years focused on dental sleep medicine.
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He works with families to improve the quality of their breathing and sleep.
Why This First Step Matters
Many parents aren’t sure whether teeth grinding is something to monitor or explore further.
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This call gives you the opportunity to:
Ask questions
Learn what to look for
Understand possible next steps
No pressure. Just clarity.
Common Questions
Q: Is this a medical consultation?
A: No, this is an information call to help you better understand your child’s situation.
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Q: Will I speak with the dentist?
A: The first call is with our patient education team. If appropriate, they can arrange a consultation with Dr Mark Levi.
Q: Do all children who grind their teeth need treatment?
A: No, every child is different. This is about understanding what may be worth looking into.
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Q: Do I need a referral?
A: No referral is needed for the information call.