Occasional teeth grinding or snoring in children is common and often harmless. However, frequent grinding or loud, regular snoring may indicate an underlying issue such as airway obstruction, jaw development concerns, or sleep-disordered breathing.
Some form of airway obstruction is the most common cause of your child grinding at night and should not be ignored. Having a lack of proper rest can affect your child's normal development, and can lead to other effects like poor attention span or behavioural issues during the day.
If you notice these signs, it’s best to mention them at your child’s next dental visit. Your dentist can check for signs of tooth wear, assess jaw growth, and refer you to your GP, an ENT or a specialist if further evaluation is needed. Early detection helps support healthy sleep and proper oral and general development.