What Causes Teeth Grinding in Children?

Bruxism (teeth grinding) is very common; many people grind their teeth at night without realizing how harmful it can be. So, what causes bruxism in children?

Causes of Bruxism in Children

When a child exhibits bruxism, the following potential causes should be considered: First, intestinal parasitic infection—especially ascariasis (roundworm infection). Roundworms survive by absorbing nutrients from the host. In addition to symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and intestinal obstruction, the movement of roundworms within the gastrointestinal tract at night may also trigger bruxism. Second, impaired digestive function: Young children often have underdeveloped gastrointestinal systems and weak digestive capacity, resulting in incomplete digestion and absorption of food. This may lead to nocturnal bruxism. Third, psychological factors: Excessive fatigue or overexcitement during the day may prevent adequate rest for the child’s cerebral cortex, leaving the nervous system in a state of persistent hyperarousal.

Malocclusion—including uneven occlusion, disordered tooth alignment, abnormal overbite depth, and excessive overjet—can also contribute to bruxism. In such cases, parents are advised to promptly take their child to the dental department of a reputable hospital, where a dentist can adjust the occlusion to alleviate bruxism symptoms. Additionally, excessive mental stress or overstimulation from daytime gaming may cause some children to grind their teeth at night. In these instances, emotional regulation is essential—parents should avoid overexciting the child and consider psychological interventions to help relieve bruxism. Furthermore, the presence of roundworms in the child’s stomach—due to the irritative effect of Ascaris eggs—may also manifest as bruxism.

Parents are advised to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment for their child. We hope this information is helpful.