Hearing your baby grind their teeth at night can be worrying. This behaviour, known as teeth grinding in babies, is common and usually not a cause for concern, but it is understandable if you feel a bit anxious. In this article, our Brisbane dentist will look at why babies might grind their teeth and what you can do to help them. Let’s work together to find simple and effective solutions to ensure your little one’s comfort and your peace of mind.

What Is Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding, or bruxism is when someone clenches their jaw and rubs their teeth together. It’s a common habit among babies, especially as they start feeling their new teeth come in. This might seem a little worrying if you hear those tiny teeth grinding during a quiet night, but it’s often just your baby’s way of exploring these new sensations or soothing the discomfort of teething.

Mostly, it’s nothing to stress about. It’s just one of those things some babies do, like thumb-sucking or hair-twirling, as they grow and learn about the world. And the good news? Most little ones grow out of teeth grinding naturally as they get older. So, while it’s important to keep an eye on it, remember that it’s usually just a phase in your child’s development.

Signs of Teeth Grinding in Babies

Below, you can find some straightforward, gentle cues you might notice if your baby is experiencing teeth grinding:

Distinctive Sounds: The most apparent sign might be the sound of your baby grinding their teeth during sleep. This grinding noise can be quite noticeable in a quiet room.

Changes in Teeth: Keep an eye out for any changes to your baby’s teeth. Signs like flattened, chipped, or unusually worn down teeth can indicate they have been grinding.

Jaw Discomfort: If your baby seems to be fussing more than usual or is frequently touching their jaw or face, it might be due to discomfort from grinding.

Sleep Disturbances: Teeth grinding might interrupt your baby’s sleep. If they seem more restless or wake up more often, it could be due to discomfort caused by grinding their teeth at night.

Increased Sensitivity: As teeth wear down from grinding, they may become more sensitive. Your baby might react more when eating cold or warm foods, showing signs of discomfort.

Reasons Why Babies Grind Their Teeth

Witnessing your baby grind their teeth might make you feel a mix of concern and curiosity. Would you like to learn about why they might be grinding their little pearly whites? Here are some possible reasons behind this common behaviour:

Teething Tensions: As new teeth poke through tender gums, your little one might feel quite a bit of discomfort. Grinding can be their instinctive way to soothe these sore gums. Just like cuddling a teddy bear, it’s their way of finding comfort amidst the discomfort.

Earaches: Similar to teething, ear discomfort can cause grinding.

Curiosity and Exploration: Babies are natural explorers. When they discover something new, like the sensation of their teeth, they want to experiment. Grinding their teeth is just like feeling textures or listening to sounds—it’s all about discovering what those new pearly whites can do.

Response to Growth: Just like the rest of their body, your baby’s jaw is growing and adjusting. Grinding might simply be their jaw’s way of ‘practising’ its new role. Think of it as a little workout session for their tiny mouth muscles.

Coping with Changes: Whether it’s a shift in sleeping patterns or a new daycare routine, changes can stress your little one. Teeth grinding might be their way of coping with these changes, a small sign that they’re trying to adjust to their ever-expanding world.

Sleep Cycles: During different stages of sleep, especially lighter stages, babies might grind their teeth. It’s a part of how their body relaxes and moves through various sleep phases.

Medical Conditions: Certain conditions, like cerebral palsy, may be associated with bruxism.

Infections and Pain in the Mouth: Any infection or pain can prompt grinding as a response to discomfort.

Misaligned Teeth or Abnormal Bite: Sometimes, the way a baby’s teeth align, or if they have an abnormal bite, can lead them to grind their teeth in an attempt to relieve discomfort or adjust their bite.

Stress and Anxiety: Changes in a child’s routine, such as starting at a new daycare or even family stresses, may make a baby anxious enough to grind their teeth.

Understanding these reasons can bring a sense of relief. Many babies go through this phase, and it’s often just their way of dealing with the little challenges of growing up. If you ever feel overwhelmed or worried, visit our experienced Kids’ dentist; they can evaluate your baby’s dental health and development and put your heart at ease.

Problems That Teeth Grinding Can Cause for Babies

It is quite natural to be concerned about your baby grinding their teeth and what this might mean for their tiny, delicate teeth and overall comfort. Here are a few points to help you understand the potential issues that prolonged teeth grinding may lead to.

Wear and Tear on Teeth: Constant grinding can start to wear down the hard outer layer of your baby’s new teeth. While baby teeth will eventually make way for adult teeth, severe wear early on might make those tiny teeth more vulnerable to problems like cavities.

Jaw Discomfort: Just imagine clenching your teeth for a long time; you’d likely feel it in your jaw, right? Babies feel that, too. If they grind a lot, they might feel uncomfortable or cranky due to the strain on their little jaw muscles.

Increased Tooth Sensitivity: Worn-down teeth might be more sensitive to temperature. Your little one might feel discomfort when eating warm or cold foods, which can make feeding times a bit challenging.

Disrupted Sleep: Grinding can be noisy and might even disturb their sleep. If your baby is grinding their teeth, they might wake up more often at night, which can make them (and possibly you!) a bit more tired the next day.

Potential for Other Oral Health Issues: Though less common, persistent grinding might lead to other dental issues, such as chipped teeth or an increased risk of tooth infections, especially if there’s significant tooth wear.

Tips to Help Your Child Stop Grinding Their Teeth

Our Brisbane paediatric dentist has prepared some simple tips to help ease your child’s teeth grinding:

Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Just like us, babies can feel the day’s hustle. A calming bedtime routine might just be the soothing balm they need. Try a warm bath, some gentle cuddles, and maybe a soft lullaby. This can help settle their little nerves and reduce the urge to grind.

Offer a Teething Toy: If teething discomfort is the culprit, a cool teething ring or a damp, chilled washcloth for them to gnaw on can provide relief. It gives them something other than their own teeth to work on.

Keep Their Mouth Comfortable: Check that nothing inside their mouth is bothering them. A visit to the paediatric dentist can rule out any issues that might be causing discomfort, like a sore or an incoming tooth in an awkward spot.

Manage Stress: Babies pick up on stress just like we do. Keep your home environment as calm and positive as possible. Sometimes, more play in the afternoon or a little extra attention might be all they need to feel more relaxed and less likely to grind their teeth.

Stay Clear of Chewing Gum Habits: For older kids, avoid letting them get used to chewing on hard objects like pens or, later on, gum. These can make jaw muscles more likely to grind.

Consult a Professional: If the grinding persists and you’re worried it might be affecting their sleep or damaging their teeth, it’s a good idea to talk to a paediatric dentist. They might suggest safe interventions or specific advice tailored to your child’s needs.

Treatment Options for Teeth Grinding in Babies

If your little one is grinding their teeth, it’s natural to feel a bit concerned. Here are some comforting and effective treatment options to help manage this common issue, ensuring both your peace of mind and your baby’s comfort:

• Night Guards: Your paediatric dentist might recommend a specially made mouth guard for older children if bruxism is severe and persistent. These guards prevent the upper and lower teeth from touching, eliminating grinding during sleep. Night guards are generally not recommended for babies or very young toddlers due to the challenges in keeping them in place and the potential for choking hazards.
• Stress Management: Since stress can contribute to teeth grinding, helping your child relax can be beneficial. Establish a calming bedtime routine, limit screen time before bed, and engage in soothing activities like reading a story or listening to calm music.
• Pain Relief: If teeth grinding is related to teething, simple pain relief methods can be applied. Cool objects like a chilled washcloth or teething ring can be soothing. For discomfort that’s hard to manage, a pediatrician might recommend a suitable pain reliever like acetaminophen for short-term use. It’s important to use medication cautiously and under a healthcare provider’s guidance.
• Correct Misalignments: Sometimes, teeth grinding can be a response to misaligned teeth. In such cases, a visit to the dentist can determine if orthodontic treatment is necessary.
• Emotional Support: Talking to your child about their feelings can help reduce anxiety-related teeth grinding. Engaging with them about day-to-day experiences and offering comfort can alleviate stress and reduce their need to grind.
• Physical Therapy: Simple jaw and neck exercises can also help relieve the tension in the muscles involved in grinding.

Remember, many babies and toddlers outgrow teeth grinding without needing extensive treatment. However, keeping an eye on the condition and consulting with healthcare providers can ensure that any underlying issues are addressed promptly and appropriately.

Is It Normal For My Child to Grind Her Child?

Yes, teeth grinding (bruxism) in children is fairly common and typically not a serious concern. It often occurs when new teeth are coming in or when children are experiencing stress. Fortunately, most children outgrow this habit naturally, especially as their permanent teeth come in and the jaw continues to develop. However, if you notice excessive wear on their teeth or if they complain of jaw pain, it’s wise to discuss it with a dentist to rule out any underlying issues.

How Do Paediatric Dentists Diagnose Teeth Grinding in Babies?

When you bring your little one to a paediatric dentist with concerns about teeth grinding, the dentist will start with a gentle examination of your baby’s mouth. This exam helps them look for signs of wear on the teeth, which is often a telltale sign of grinding.

They might also check for tenderness in the jaw muscles or changes in the bite, which can indicate frequent grinding. The dentist will ask about your baby’s sleeping habits and behaviour, as these can offer clues about stress or other factors that might contribute to teeth grinding. Sometimes, they might recommend observing your child’s sleep to listen for the sound of grinding, ensuring a thorough understanding of the situation​.

Is Teeth Grinding a Normal Part of My Child’s Dental Development?

Teeth grinding is not uncommon among babies and young children. It often happens as new teeth emerge and can be part of how your child explores the feeling of their teeth. Most children outgrow this habit without any intervention, especially as their permanent teeth come in and their jaw develops further.

While it’s generally not a major concern, consistent or severe grinding may need to be checked to ensure it doesn’t lead to dental issues. If you’re ever in doubt, a visit to the paediatric dentist can put your mind at ease, confirming whether the grinding is a normal phase or something that needs closer attention.

Frequently Asked Questions