Teeth Grinding
What is teeth grinding?
Teeth grinding (sometimes called bruxism) is when a child rubs or clenches their teeth together, often during sleep but sometimes during the day. In kids it can happen for different reasons — growing teeth and jaws, sensory needs, changes in routine, or emotional stress. For many families it feels loud or surprising, and it raises questions about comfort, sleep, and dental health.
Why it matters
Even though teeth grinding is common, it can be stressful for parents to hear or see. Grinding can wake a child, keep siblings awake, or leave parents wondering if their child is in pain. Addressing grinding can help families feel calmer around sleep and daily routines, and it supports the child’s ability to eat, speak, and play comfortably as they grow.
What to expect in therapy or coaching
Our approach is collaborative and family-focused. We start by listening: parents and caregivers share what they notice about when grinding happens, sleep and nap patterns, mealtime behaviors, and any sensory or emotional changes. Sessions are play-based and age-appropriate — for infants that might mean gentle oral play and parent coaching; for older children and teens we may introduce simple jaw and mouth activities, calming routines, and stress-management techniques.
Therapy typically includes: - A careful history and observation to understand patterns and triggers.
- Hands-on or guided oral-motor activities done through play for younger kids, or simple exercises and habit awareness for older children.
- Parent coaching so caregivers know how to support calming routines, bedtime cues, and safe mouth play at home.
- Regular check-ins and adjustments based on what’s working for your child and family.
We do not diagnose medical or dental conditions. If we see signs that need medical or dental attention, we will suggest sharing our observations with your pediatrician or dentist so you can get coordinated care.
When to consider support
- Grinding is frequent or loud enough to wake your child or others.
- Your child seems uncomfortable around their mouth, avoids certain foods, or you notice changes in chewing or speech.
- Grinding starts after a big change (new sibling, moving, illness) and sleep or behavior are affected.
- You want guidance on safe at-home strategies and calming routines.
How we help
- Teaching gentle oral-motor play and exercises that are fun and age-appropriate.
- Building calming bedtime and daytime routines to reduce arousal before sleep.
- Coaching parents on cues, safe handling, and ways to support sensory needs.
- Coordinating with your child’s dentist or doctor when broader medical or dental input is helpful.
What progress looks like
Progress varies by child. Some families notice quieter nights within a few weeks after consistent routine changes; others use strategies long-term to support comfort and reduce nervous system reactivity. We focus on practical, sustainable tools you can use at home and at school, and we adjust the plan as your child grows.
Next steps
If teeth grinding is on your mind, a short consultation lets us hear your story and outline gentle strategies you can try right away. We’ll help you set realistic goals and work with you to support your child’s comfort and daily routines.