Teeth clenching during sleep in children is most often linked to temporary developmental phases and is not always a cause for concern.
A child’s body is still adapting - teeth are growing, the jaw is developing, and the nervous system is maturing. During these stages, jaw clenching may be an unconscious response to internal stimuli, stress, or fatigue.
In most cases, this behaviour disappears on its own over time. However, if clenching persists for a longer period, causes pain, damages teeth, or disrupts sleep, it is recommended to consult a dentist.
It’s important to observe your child, monitor their habits, and, if necessary, talk about daily stressors - especially with older children.
To stop clenching your teeth, the first step is understanding why it’s happening.
Teeth clenching, especially at night, is often linked to stress, muscle tension, or bite irregularities.
The first recommended step is to visit a dentist, who will assess the condition of your teeth and jaw joint and suggest appropriate therapy - most often in the form of a custom-made night guard.
In addition, it’s important to reduce daily stress through relaxation techniques, regular sleep, and physical activity.
If clenching occurs during the day, it’s helpful to develop the habit of consciously relaxing the jaw - your lips should be closed, but your teeth should not touch.
Combined with professional guidance, these measures can significantly reduce tension and prevent further damage to the teeth and jaw joint.
Botox is used for bruxism in certain cases, but it is not considered a first-line treatment.
It’s typically recommended when other approaches - such as night guards, bite correction, and stress management - do not provide sufficient relief, especially in cases of severe clenching and jaw muscle pain.
Botox works by temporarily weakening the chewing muscles (most commonly the masseter), which reduces clenching force and helps relieve symptoms like pain, tension, and tooth wear.
The effect lasts for several months and needs to be repeated periodically.
It’s important to note that Botox does not address the root cause of bruxism; it only helps manage the consequences. That’s why it’s used as a complement, not a replacement, for standard dental therapy.
The decision to use Botox should be made by a dentist or medical professional based on individual assessment.
Bruxism doesn’t have a universal "cure" in the traditional sense, but it can be successfully managed with the right therapy.
The goal is not only to relieve symptoms but to prevent further damage to the teeth, jaw joint, and surrounding muscles.
Treatment depends on the cause - for some patients, a custom-made night guard (bite splint) is enough, while others may need to work on stress reduction, bite correction, or involve physiotherapy and other specialists.
In certain cases, Botox is used as a supportive measure, especially when symptoms are severe and persistent.
Bruxism isn’t resolved with a single treatment - it requires expert, long-term management through regular check-ups and clear guidance for the patient.
Teeth clenching, especially at night, is often an unconscious habit linked to stress, muscle tension, or bite irregularities.
The first step in stopping jaw clenching is recognizing that it’s happening. Many patients aren’t aware of it until they start experiencing jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, or headaches.
The key is a combination of strategies. During the day, it’s important to develop a conscious habit of relaxing the jaw, your teeth should not touch unless you’re chewing, and your lips should rest gently closed.
Relaxation techniques, regular sleep, and stress management can significantly reduce the frequency of clenching.
However, as long as the clenching habit persists, especially at night, it’s essential to have regular dental check-ups. Your dentist can monitor changes in your teeth and jaw joints, track progress, and prevent long-term damage.
In most cases, a custom-made night guard is prescribed. It protects the teeth from wear and helps reduce tension in the jaw muscles.
While teeth clenching doesn’t disappear overnight, with proper guidance and patient cooperation, it can be effectively managed and its long-term effects prevented.
