What you can do about your baby's teeth grinding
Marie Stambe
Marie Stambe
The moment you spot your little one's first tooth feels like a major win (one that sends you straight to the mother's group WhatsApp).
It’s so tiny and precious, and you secretly understand why some parents hold onto their child’s teeth in creepy little boxes.
So when you start to notice them grinding those adorable little teeth, your heart drops into your stomach. Is this normal? How is my baby already stress-grinding their teeth? Are they going to need a baby retainer to match Dad’s?
Teeth grinding is actually a common and even expected habit seen in young children. But that doesn’t make it easier to watch your little one go through. This is what you can do as a parent to help them out.
What is teeth grinding (Bruxism) in babies?
Teeth grinding (otherwise known as bruxism) is a common habit that can happen to babies as young as 6 months, through to adults.
Daytime grinding is usually related to teething and the infant is aware and in control (making it more of a habit.)
Nighttime grinding happens when a child is unconscious – they don’t they’re doing it and have no control. This is known as sleep bruxism and is the more common form of teeth grinding.
While this behaviour can make us stress – leading to our own teeth grinding – and worry about our baby’s oral health, it’s no medical emergency. Since most of your baby’s teeth grinding will go away as they lose their baby teeth, it doesn’t cause lasting damage – but it can make them pretty uncomfortable.
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Causes and symptoms of baby teeth grinding
What causes baby teeth grinding?
Baby teeth grinding, also called bruxism, has no clear cause, making it difficult to track the triggering cause. The good news is that several things could be behind it, and most of these causes can be reversed.
For instance, issues like ear-nose-throat illnesses, teeth that aren’t quite lined up right (the proper term for misaligned teeth is actually ‘malocclusion’) and the discomfort from teething can all play a part. Sometimes, it’s linked to how they breathe – if they tend to breathe more through their mouth or experience sleep disordered breathing (like infant sleep apnea). Snoring and gasping during sleep are red flags for this condition.
Teeth grinding has also been suggested as more likely when a child has worms (intestinal parasites), potentially due to toxins from the parasites sending signals to the brain.
Let’s not forget about family history—if others in the family grind their teeth, babies might pick it up, too.
Caffeine from foods or drinks, stress and anxiety, hyperactivity, or even simply an ear infection can all be part of why your little one grinds their teeth.
Common symptoms of baby teeth grinding
Common symptoms of baby teeth grinding include parents hearing a squeaky, grating, or grinding noise coming from their baby’s room while they’re asleep. Babies may also clench their jaw, which can lead to jaw pain and potential damage to both their upper and lower teeth.
Signs of teeth grinding in babies can include flattened, worn, dull, or shiny areas on the tops of the teeth, as well as chips or fractures in the teeth themselves. It can also potentially lead to tooth sensitivity, which will cause pain and discomfort for your little one.
Preventing damage to baby teeth
What problems can grinding teeth (bruxism) create?
Your child’s teeth grinding could cause side effects like:
- Headaches: Grinding teeth might cause pain in or around the ear area.
- Painful chewing: Eating solids might prove tricky.
- Tooth sensitivity: Whilst it’s difficult to gauge whether this actually occurs in infants, it can happen with older children and adults.
How to stop a baby from grinding their teeth
While we might use yoga, mindfulness, and a good dash of journalling to help stress-related grinding, our babies can’t exactly join in.
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- Soothe teething discomfort: When babies are teething, they may instinctively grind their teeth to minimise discomfort. So giving them a chilled teething toy or a damp washcloth for them to gnaw on can help soothe their gums and numb the area. This reduces their urge to grind!
- Hydration, baby: Some studies have linked dehydration to tooth grinding in babies. Keeping your child well-hydrated throughout the day helps maintain overall oral health and reduces the risk of your baby grinding their teeth due to discomfort or dryness in their mouth.
- A good night’s sleep: Babies who are well-rested are less likely to grind their teeth. Establishing a consistent and soothing bedtime routine with calming activities can further encourage relaxation before sleep.
- Check for worms: After your child has gone to bed, gentle your child’s bottom around the opening by shining a torch. You may be able to spot worms there. Your GP can also run tests to diagnose.
- Go super zen: Activities such as reading a bedtime story, dimming the lights, and using calming scents like lavender create a peaceful environment conducive to relaxation and better oral health.
- Look into their breathing: Vist either your family GP or an ear, nose, and throat specialist to get your child’s breathing checked.
When to seek professional help
While, of course, preventing damage to your baby’s teeth should be a priority for parents, it’s also important to note that most kids outgrow bruxism. More often than not, this happens when kids lose all of their baby teeth. So there’s no need to worry about life-long trauma or problems with their permanent teeth.
In saying that, if the side effects of tooth grinding begin to become concerning while your child’s baby teeth are still intact, it is advised to pay a quick visit to the dentist – after all, they are the experts.
Frequently asked questions
- Why does my baby grind their teeth at night?
Babies may grind their teeth at night for several reasons, such as teething discomfort, jaw tension, stress, worms, sleep disordered breathing or a response to pain from ear-nose-throat issues. It often occurs during deep sleep and diminishes as they age. - Is teeth grinding harmful for my baby?
Most tooth grinding in babies is typically not harmful in the long term. However, it can lead to short-term effects like disrupted sleep, jaw discomfort, and potential wear on baby teeth. Monitoring and addressing underlying causes can help manage this behaviour. - How can I tell if my baby is grinding their teeth?
You may notice a squeaky or grinding noise from their room while they sleep. Other signs include jaw clenching, tooth wear, or complaints of jaw pain upon waking up. - Are there effective home remedies to stop baby teeth grinding?
Yes, several home remedies can help alleviate baby teeth grinding. These include offering a cold teething toy, maintaining good oral hygiene, establishing a calming bedtime routine, and creating a stress-free environment. - When should I take my baby to the dentist for teeth grinding?
If you’re concerned about your baby’s teeth grinding or notice persistent signs such as significant tooth wear or jaw discomfort, it’s advisable to consult a pediatric dentist. They can assess the situation and provide guidance on managing or treating the condition. - Can teething cause my baby to grind their teeth?
Yes, teething discomfort can contribute to baby teeth grinding. Babies may grind their teeth to cope with the pain and discomfort associated with teething.
Sources
Teeth-grinding or bruxism: 1-8 years, Raising Children Network. Available at: https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/sleep/night-time-problems/teeth-grinding
Why do babies grind their teeth? Fox Kids Dentistry. Available at: https://foxkidsdentistry.com/blog/why-do-babies-grind-their-teeth/
Baby Grinding Teeth? Here’s What To Know, Sherwood Dental. Available at: https://sherwoodparkdental.ca/baby-grinding-teeth-here-s-what-to-know/
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Marie Stambe
Follow +Marie is an emerging writer who loves all things content creation. From her Italian heritage to her deep-rooted passions (fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and fun), Marie harnesses the power of personal experiences to write stories that are #relatable and easy to digest. Because who has the time?