We frequently hear from parents that their child is grinding his/her teeth. Sometimes the parent reports noticing the grinding during the day, or strictly grinding at night. As we're sure you don't need us to tell you, grinding can be LOUD and like nails on chalkboard.
It sounds like it hurts, but your child likely isn't even aware its happening. Bruxism (grinding) is a complex process not completely understood. It is termed a parafunctional habit. Nighttime grinding is classified as a sleep-related movement disorder. There are a number of possible etiologies, including adenotonsillar hypertrophy (big tonsils/adenoids), stress/psychosocial factors, as well as many others.
Depending on your child's age, how long they've been grinding, if there are any effects on the teeth, and other factors, we will suggest appropriate intervention if warranted. Talk with us to find out what, if anything, should be done for your child's grinding.