When babies start teething, parents often find them grinding their teeth. Experts say that 20 to 30 percent of children grind their teeth or clench their jaw. However, it sometimes looks concerning. Therefore, people wonder, “Why do babies grind their teeth?” or whether it’s normal.
Why Does My Baby Grind Her Teeth While Awake?
Experts aren’t sure what causes teeth grinding (or bruxism), but they think it could be due to tension or anxiety, pain (like from earaches or teething), and malocclusion (when teeth don’t line up correctly). Breathing problems, such as a stuffy nose or allergies, might also contribute. There’s even some evidence that pinworms could be a cause.
Children might grind their teeth as they get used to having them, especially when they start getting their first teeth around 5 or 6 months old or their permanent teeth around age 6. About 38 percent of children grind their teeth. The habit usually starts around 3 1/2 years old and stops around age 6, though it can happen at any age.
If you grind your teeth, your child is more likely to do it too. Kids who drool or talk in their sleep are also more likely to grind their teeth. Most teeth grinding happens at night, but some kids do it during the day as well.
Is Teeth Grinding Bad for Children?
In most cases, teeth grinding sounds worse than it is. Your child probably isn’t harming his teeth and will likely outgrow the habit. However, mention it to his dentist so she can check for wear or problems like pulp exposure, cavities, or fractures. If your child complains of face or jaw pain during the day, have him checked, as this can be due to frequent teeth grinding.
How to Stop Your Baby from Grinding Their Teeth?
For some babies, teeth grinding might be unavoidable. The good news is that bruxism is usually harmless and will go away on its own. Since babies are constantly growing, they usually don’t need treatments like night guards that adults use.
While the sound of teeth grinding can be hard to listen to, it’s common in growing babies and should decrease as more teeth come in. If you’re worried, talk to your pediatric dentist about your baby’s bruxism. They can give you advice and check if there’s any damage to the teeth or jaw.
If your baby grinds their teeth a lot, seeing a pediatric dentist is a good idea. While it’s rare, frequent grinding can lead to TMJ, which needs treatment. Other issues to watch for include chipped teeth, gum swelling, injuries, pain, soreness, earache, and headaches in the temples.
If you think your baby has chronic bruxism, the dentist will check for wear patterns on the teeth. Sometimes, jaw misalignment causes aggressive grinding, causing specific wear areas on the enamel. If a medication or medical condition might be causing the bruxism, a pediatrician can adjust the medication or treat the condition.
Final Word
Baby grinding teeth at night can worry parents, but it’s a common habit among little ones, and they will probably outgrow it soon. However, understanding “Why do babies grind their teeth” can help you talk more openly with their pediatric dentist.
Visit our skilled dental professionals at Noble Smile Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Our facility focuses on providing long-term dental solutions for your family. Call us at (281) 394-2929 to book an appointment.
