06/17/2026
MOST PARENTS ARE TOLD GRINDING IS “NORMAL.”
But what if your child’s nighttime teeth grinding is actually a sign that their body is working harder to breathe while they sleep?
At Stutsman Dentistry, we often hear parents say:
🗣️ “My child grinds their teeth, but we were told they’ll grow out of it.”
While some children do stop grinding as they get older, persistent grinding can sometimes be a clue that there’s more going on beneath the surface.
When a child falls asleep, the muscles that help support the airway relax. If the airway becomes restricted, the body may respond by activating the jaw muscles and shifting the jaw position to help maintain airflow. In some children, that response can show up as clenching or grinding.
🚩 If your child grinds their teeth, also watch for:
• Mouth breathing
• Snoring
• Restless sleep
• Night terrors
• Bedwetting
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Crowded teeth
• Frequent cavities
• Difficulty focusing or attention concerns
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
The teeth are often not the problem—they may simply be revealing what the body is trying to tell us.
At Stutsman Dentistry, we take a whole-body approach to dental health. Our airway-focused evaluations help identify potential concerns with breathing, jaw development, and sleep before they become bigger challenges.
Early intervention can make a significant difference in supporting healthy growth, development, sleep quality, and long-term health.
📞 574-533-8934
🌐 www.stutsmandentistry.com
📍 1801 Charlton Ct., Goshen, IN 46526
Have you noticed your child grinding their teeth at night? Let us know in the comments or schedule an airway screening to learn more.
