Baby Grinding Teeth – 7 Effective Solutions

During the early stages of a child’s development, one significant milestone is the emergence of teeth. As babies experience this new sensation, they may occasionally grind their teeth, causing concern and worry for parents. However, there’s no need to panic, baby grinding teeth is often a normal part of their exploration and development. Research indicates that approximately 30% of children engage in teeth grinding.

While baby grinding teeth is generally harmless, persistent grinding may indicate a condition called bruxism. Although rare, bruxism should be taken seriously, and the good news is that it is treatable. In this article, we aim to address all your questions and concerns regarding your baby grinding teeth or bruxism. We will provide information on how to identify symptoms, offer tips on helping stop baby grinding teeth, and much more.

By understanding the causes and potential remedies for baby grinding teeth, you can alleviate any anxieties you may have and ensure your baby’s dental health is properly cared for. So, rest assured as we provide you with comprehensive insights into this common phenomenon of baby grinding teeth, empowering you to support your baby’s oral development and well-being.

What Exactly Is Baby Grinding Teeth?

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, refers to the action of grinding, gnashing, or clenching one’s teeth. It is a common occurrence, even in babies. As infants begin to develop their teeth, usually around 5 to 6 months of age, they may naturally grind their teeth together. This behavior of baby grinding teeth is a result of them getting accustomed to the sensation of having teeth in their mouths and is often a form of exploration or experimentation.

In most cases, babies with bruxism will outgrow this behavior without any significant issues. However, in rare instances where baby grinding teeth is intense and consistent, it may lead to dental damage. Parents must be aware of the signs and symptoms of bruxism and ensure their baby receives regular dental care by consulting a doctor or dentist.

By staying vigilant and seeking professional guidance on baby grinding teeth, parents can effectively monitor their baby’s oral health and address any concerns related to teeth grinding. Remember, understanding the nature of bruxism in infants allows parents to take proactive measures to maintain their child’s dental well-being.

Why Do Babies Grind Their Teeth?

Although doctors and dentists haven’t been able to figure out the major reason behind baby grinding teeth. Below are possible reasons why babies experience teeth grinding:

1. New Tooth

Most babies go through pains, sometimes from a new tooth or toothache, just like most adults. They usually use tooth grinding as a way to relieve themselves from much pain while growing their teeth.

2. Discomfort

Babies can’t communicate discomforts like whether they’re stressed or unhappy and one of the ways they deal with this is by grinding their teeth. 

3. Curiosity

Babies get curious when they grow new teeth, they want to learn about the functions, feelings, and sounds of their new teeth. Grinding their teeth provides them a way to explore all of the new senses they are experiencing.

4. Medical Conditions

The effects of certain medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy or certain types of medications given to them, can cause babies to uncontrollably grind their teeth.

5. Tooth Alignment

Babies’ teeth grind when their teeth aren’t properly aligned.

6. Anxiety

Anxiety can also be stated as one among other reasons children’s teeth grind.

Symptoms Of Baby’s Teeth Grinding

Below are possible signs your baby might be teeth-grinding

• Loud grinding sounds, especially at night or when your baby is asleep

• Tightening of the jaw

• Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods, which may cause your baby to cry while eating

• Tooth injuries or damage

• Gum swelling

• Jaw Pain or Headaches

• Facial pain

• Temperature sensitivity

Most times, parents will only know that their baby is grinding its teeth only by intentionally observing the child do it or by hearing it. Babies usually are not even aware that they are grinding their teeth. 

Can Teeth Grinding Damage Your Child’s Teeth?

In most cases, teeth grinding in children does not cause any damage to their teeth. However, in a few extreme cases, frequent and forceful teeth grinding can lead to various issues. Children who grind their teeth regularly and forcefully may experience jaw discomfort, headaches, and ear pain ranging from mild to severe.

When jaw misalignment is the underlying cause, specific areas of the tooth enamel, which is the thin outer covering of the tooth, may become worn down. Additionally, children who grind their teeth excessively may be more prone to chipped teeth, facial pain, gum injuries, and temperature sensitivity. In severe cases, frequent and intense grinding can even contribute to the early onset of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

The temporomandibular joint functions as a sliding hinge, connecting the jawbone to the skull. Each person has one joint on each side of their jaw. Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) can cause pain in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement.

It’s important to note that parents may not always be able to recognize or hear when their child’s teeth grind. Children themselves are often unaware of their teeth grinding and may not be able to communicate if they are experiencing pain or other related symptoms, which can be concerning.

To address this issue, parents should pay close attention to their child’s teeth condition and be observant of any signs of teeth grinding. Sharing this information with the dentist or doctor can provide important clues and help them provide the necessary care and guidance for the child’s oral health. Early intervention and monitoring can prevent potential complications and ensure the child’s well-being.

Can A Baby Grow Out Of Teeth Grinding?

A child’s first tooth might appear in his mouth as early as 4 months after birth. Many babies will get their first tooth after the 7th month. They’ll get more of their teeth throughout the rest of the first year, which is when parents might start to notice grinding.

As earlier said babies may grind their teeth in response to pain from teething. Research has shown that an estimated 3 out of 10 kids grind their teeth before reaching the age of 5. It’s usually no cause for an alarm, and most children outgrow it by the time they reach age 6 or once baby teeth are replaced with permanent teeth.

However, sometimes the teeth grinding can continue if a child is older than 6 years. The good news is that dental experts, in trying to put parents at ease about worrying as regards their child’s teeth grinding, say that the majority of children’s teeth grinding gets resolved over time, usually when kids are at the age of 9 or 10 years old.

Causes Of Teeth Grinding

No one knows for sure the exact reason children grind their teeth and there is no identified connection between behavioral problems and bruxism or teeth grinding. Below are some predictions as to what causes babies to have teeth grinding:

1. Children with brain injuries and certain developmental disorders like cerebral palsy, down syndrome, and epilepsy may tend to teeth grind.

2. Gum inflammation and poor oral hygiene can be the root cause of teeth grinding or bruxism.

3. Antidepressants (a drug, used to prevent or treat depression) as commonly prescribed may also contribute to tooth grinding in children. Amphetamines used to treat ADHD may also be associated with tooth grinding. If the start of teeth grinding or bruxism is sudden, evaluate the medications the child is taking. A switch to an alternate brand might be necessary.

4. There is a high probability of your child grinding their teeth or having bruxism if you or your partner grind your teeth too. It is most common among kids with obvious neurological disorders, like cerebral palsy.

5. There has been a connection made between teeth grinding and enlarged tonsils which is strongly linked to upper airway obstruction. Note that removing the tonsils and adenoids has been shown to reduce teeth grinding in some children.

6. For children who snore or breathe through their mouths tooth grinding is usually common or normal for them.

1. Stomach acid reflux into the esophagus is another known cause of tooth grinding or bruxism in children.

Effects Of Teeth Grinding

• Sleepless nights

• Earaches from frequent grinding

• Jaw pains and stiffness

• Facial pain

• Temporomandibular disorders (TMD)

• Tooth damage

• Gum recession (creates pockets for bacteria’s easy access)

• Headaches

Is There A Treatment For Your Child’s Teeth Grinding?

Yes, there are treatments for teeth grinding but the cause of it will dictate the treatment approach. Only a pediatric dentist can advise if a child’s teeth grinding is something to worry about or not. The dentist can continually monitor its effect on the child’s teeth and may provide an interventional strategy.

If the child’s teeth are badly misaligned, the pediatric dentist may take some professional steps to correct them. The child’s pediatrician may also provide muscle relaxants to alleviate jaw clenching and reduce jaw spasms. In cases where young teeth are sustaining significant damage, the pediatric dentist may suggest a specialized night and daytime dental appliance.

Note that some children who don’t have symptoms may not need treatment. Some treatment options are designed to reduce grinding or clenching.

Can I Help My Child Stop Teeth Grinding?

If you suspect that your child is grinding their teeth from the above-listed symptoms, there are a few things you can do to help:

• Brush their teeth or clean their tongue or mouth (for a newborn) 

• Avoid giving your child any drinks with caffeine

• Avoid any screen time

• Play relaxing music or read a book together

• Establish a dental home with your pediatric dentist and always take them for check-ups.

• Use smart snacking practices

Tips To Promote Healthy Teeth For Your Child

Here are some tips for choosing foods that are more healthful to your child’s teeth:

• Buy foods that are sugar-free or unsweetened.

• If you plan to give your child any sweets, give them as desserts immediately following the meal. There’s usually an increased amount of saliva in the mouth around mealtime, making it easier to wash food away from teeth. The mealtime beverage also helps to wash away food particles on teeth.

• Never put your baby to bed with a bottle filled with milk, formula, juice, or soda. If your baby needs a bottle at bedtime, fill it with plain water.

• Keep fruits and vegetables in your house to offer as “healthy snacks” instead of carbohydrates. Choose fruits and vegetables that contain a high volume of water, such as pears, melons, celery, and cucumbers. Limit bananas and raisins, as these contain concentrated sugar. You should brush immediately after these fruits are eaten.

• Offer your child water instead of juice or soda. Juices, sodas, and even milk contain sugar. Water does not harm the teeth and aids in washing away any food particles that may be clinging to teeth.

• Serve cheese with lunch or as a snack. Cheese, especially cheddar, Monterey Jack, Swiss, and other aged cheeses. They trigger the flow of saliva, which helps to wash food particles away from teeth.

• Avoid sticky, chewy foods. Raisins, dried figs, granola bars, oatmeal or peanut butter cookies, jelly beans, caramel, honey, molasses, and syrup stick to teeth, making it difficult for saliva to wash away.

• Avoid sugary foods that linger on the teeth. Lollipops, hard candies, cough drops, and mints all contribute to tooth decay because they continuously coat the teeth with sugar.

• Include good sources of calcium in your child’s diet to build strong teeth. Good sources include milk, broccoli, and yogurt. 

Natural Teething Toys

If you’re thinking of how to help your baby through the teething process, you can get the following teething toys;

• Loulou Lollipop Taco Teether

• LexyPexy Chocolate Cookie Wooden

• Oil and Carol Carrot

• Loulou Lollipop Trinity

• Moonjax

• Oli and Carol Banana

• LexyPexy Coconut Water Wooden

• Itzy Ritzy Pineapple

• Oil and Carol Watermelon

Conclusion

In conclusion, teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common occurrence among children, particularly when their teeth are emerging. In most cases, teeth grinding does not cause any harm and is a natural part of their developmental process. However, in some instances where grinding is frequent and forceful, it can lead to discomfort and potential dental issues.

Parents play a crucial role in recognizing the signs and symptoms of teeth grinding in their children. While children may be unaware of their grinding habits or unable to communicate any associated pain, careful observation and regular dental check-ups can provide valuable insights for early intervention.

By seeking professional guidance and maintaining open communication with dentists and doctors, parents can address any concerns and ensure the optimal oral health of their children. With proper attention and care, potential complications related to teeth grinding can be mitigated, allowing children to grow and develop with healthy smiles.

Remember, if you have any concerns about your child’s teeth grinding, consulting a dental professional is always the best course of action. They can provide personalized advice and guidance tailored to your child’s specific needs, ensuring their dental well-being as they continue to explore and grow.