Question 1

Can teeth grinding in childhood change the shape of my child’s face or jaw as they grow?

Accepted Answer

Most of the time, normal growth and genetics play the biggest role in how a child’s face and jaw develop. Severe, long term grinding may contribute to muscle tension or changes in the way the teeth meet, which is why regular dental reviews are still important, but it is unlikely to dramatically change the overall shape of the face on its own.

Question 2

If my child has stopped grinding their teeth, do we still need to worry about the damage that was already done?

Accepted Answer

If the grinding seems to have settled, that is good news. It is still worth asking your dentist to check for wear, cracks or sensitivity at the next visit. Damage that has already occurred will not undo itself, but it can often be repaired, protected or simply monitored if it is minor and stable.

Question 3

Is it possible for teeth grinding to be the only sign that my child has a sleep or breathing problem at night?

Accepted Answer

It is possible, although many children with sleep disordered breathing also snore, mouth breathe or sleep restlessly. If grinding is frequent and you are unsure about their breathing, watching them quietly for a few nights can be very useful. If you notice anything worrying, a discussion with your GP or with an ENT specialist at Melbourne ENT can help decide whether further tests are needed.

Question 4

My child grinds their teeth but the dentist says the teeth look fine, should we still consider an ENT or sleep assessment?

Accepted Answer

If there is no tooth wear or sensitivity, that is reassuring, but it does not completely rule out sleep or breathing issues. The question of an ENT assessment depends more on symptoms such as snoring, pauses in breathing, restless sleep and daytime tiredness. If any of these are present, an airway and sleep review at Melbourne ENT may still be beneficial.

Question 5

Could my child’s teeth grinding be linked to ADHD, autism or learning difficulties at school?

Accepted Answer

Some research has found higher rates of grinding in children with certain neurodevelopmental conditions. This does not mean grinding causes these conditions, or that every child who grinds has them. If you have concerns about attention, learning or behaviour as well as grinding, it is important to raise this with your GP so a broader assessment can be arranged.

Question 6

How do I tell the difference between normal noisy sleep and teeth grinding that might need specialist review?

Accepted Answer

Normal sleep can include occasional snuffles, sleep talking or movement. Grinding has a distinctive scratching or crunching sound. If you hear that sound on many nights, if it sits alongside snoring or gasping, or if your child seems tired or irritable during the day, it is sensible to take the next step and talk with your dentist, GP or an ENT specialist.

Question 7

If my child is wearing a night guard from the dentist, when would it still be helpful to see Melbourne ENT for an airway and sleep opinion?

Accepted Answer

A good night guard can shield the teeth from damage, particularly in older children and teenagers. If your child continues to snore, mouth breathe, wake often or seem exhausted despite the guard, that is a sign that their airway and sleep should be checked. In those situations, an appointment with Dr Stephen Kleid or Dr Simon Braham at Melbourne ENT can help determine whether an underlying breathing problem is contributing.

Tag: child teeth grinding

How To Stop My Child Grinding Their Teeth