Childhood teeth grinding, or pediatric bruxism, can often be a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. While it is true that alignment problems between the upper and lower teeth can be a cause, it’s not always the only one. Many children also grind their teeth as an unconscious way to cope with physical discomfort, such as the pain associated with earaches or the irritation from teething.

Beyond these common dental and pain-related issues, other factors can be at play. For instance, some children might experience bruxism due to airway problems, such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids, which can disrupt breathing during sleep. In these cases, the grinding may be a symptom of the child’s body trying to adjust or find a more comfortable breathing position, and often requires a specialist’s evaluation. It is also important to note that emotional stressors—like changes at home, school anxiety, or even simple excitement—can lead to grinding. Despite the various potential causes, many children naturally outgrow bruxism as their dental development progresses and they learn to better manage stress.