With all the fun and freedom that comes with summer, it’s easy to overlook subtle signs of stress or sleep disruption in kids. But if you’ve noticed your child grinding their teeth at night—or clenching during the day—it might be more common than you think. This habit, called bruxism, can sometimes increase during seasonal changes like summer.
Why Summer Might Trigger Tooth Grinding
- Sleep Schedule Changes – Late bedtimes, travel, or inconsistent routines can disrupt quality sleep, a common trigger for bruxism.
- Travel Anxiety – Vacations are fun, but new environments, flights, and packing can create low-level stress for kids.
- More Screen Time – Increased use of tablets and gaming can overstimulate the nervous system before bed.
Signs of Bruxism in Children
- Squeaking, grinding, or clicking noises during sleep
- Complaints of sore jaw, headaches, or earaches
- Worn-down teeth or tooth sensitivity
- Increased irritability or poor sleep
Is It Serious?
Occasional grinding is common and may go away on its own as kids grow. However, frequent or intense grinding can wear down teeth and cause discomfort. It’s important to check in with your pediatric dentist if you’re concerned.
What You Can Do
- Keep a consistent bedtime and calming routine
- Limit screen time 1 hour before bed
- Monitor stress or changes in environment
- Ask your dentist if a nightguard or further evaluation is needed
Tooth grinding might be a quiet habit, but it can have a big impact on your child’s smile and comfort. Summer changes can play a role—so if something seems off, trust your instincts and let us know.
Have concerns about bruxism or nighttime teeth grinding? The team at Huntington Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is here to help with gentle, personalized care.
