Noticing your baby grinding their teeth during sleep or throughout the day can be unsettling, but it is actually quite common. Babies may grind their teeth for a variety of reasons like pain or teething sensations. Teeth grinding is called bruxism and shouldn’t cause any lasting damage in infants as it typically disappears in time. If teeth grinding does not abate, it may be concerning for parents. Understanding why your baby grinds their teeth can be helpful to determine if it is normal or something to be addressed by a dentist. Read on to explore the symptoms of infant teeth grinding, why your baby might grind their teeth, when to see a dentist, and treatment for teeth grinding.
What is Infant Teeth Grinding?
Infant teeth grinding, or bruxism, is when babies involuntarily grind their teeth together often during sleep. Bruxism is a repetitive masticatory muscle activity which is characterised by involuntary or habitual grinding and clenching of the teeth. Infant teeth grinding usually occurs in the teething and early jaw development stages from around 6 months onward. A common condition, studies show that about 20% to 30% of children will grind or clench their baby teeth at some point.
Symptoms of Infant Teeth Grinding
Infant teeth grinding or bruxism can manifest in different ways with various symptoms. It is important to recognise symptoms of teeth grinding in babies to monitor the grinding and intervene if there is cause for concern. Symptoms to look out for of infant teeth grinding include:
- Audible grinding or clenching sounds: The most obvious sign of teeth grinding is the sound of grinding noises or clenching sounds, which are often heard during a baby’s sleep. Sometimes when babies grind their teeth it can sound like a squeaking or scraping noise.
- Worn down teeth: Sometimes consistent teeth grinding can cause the teeth to wear down. If you see visible signs of wear and tear on your baby’s teeth, it is important to visit a dentist. Teeth wearing down can lead to sensitivity or damage of the tooth enamel.
- Jaw pain: Teeth grinding can cause jaw pain as the clenching puts pressure on the muscles and joints. If the teeth grinding continues, it can eventually lead to a worsened condition called TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder. While not as common in babies as in adults, any continual stress and pressure on this joint can lead to TMJ issues.
- Sleep disturbances: Teeth grinding can lead to a disruption in a baby’s sleep. The grinding noise can sometimes wake up the baby or simply the pain from the muscles can result in a restless sleep.
- Increased irritability: Babies who grind their teeth can sometimes be more irritable. This could be due to lack of sleep, pain experienced, or a combination of both.
Causes of Infant Teeth Grinding
The exact cause for babies grinding their teeth is not known, however it could be related to a number of factors. Teeth grinding usually begins when a baby gets their first teeth. While they will usually grow out of it, for some babies it continues for some time. The potential causes of infant teeth grinding are explained here.
- The sensation of having new teeth: Sometimes babies will grind their teeth as they are exploring these new teeth and what it feels like to grind their teeth together.
- Pain from new teeth: When new teeth erupt through the gums, it can cause pain which can trigger teeth grinding and jaw clenching in babies.
- Stress or discomfort: When babies are stressed or in pain, they may grind their teeth as a coping mechanism.
- Habit: Infant teeth grinding can become a habit for babies, particularly during sleep. When a baby gets used to grinding their teeth, it can become a repetitive action.
- Misaligned teeth: When a baby’s teeth are misaligned (crooked or crowded), it can lead to a problem with bite which may cause a baby to grind their teeth.
- Sleep disordered breathing: Some babies may have sleep disordered breathing (SDB), which includes conditions like sleep apnea. A baby with SDB may struggle to breathe during sleep which causes stress. To try and breathe during sleep, a baby may subconsciously tighten their jaw and throat, leading to teeth grinding
Potential Effects of Infant Teeth Grinding
Babies tend to grow out of teeth grinding by the time they are 3 years old, so it is not usually a major cause for concern. However, should the teeth grinding continue there are some potential effects that can occur, both short term and long term.
Short Term Effects Of Infant Teeth Grinding
- Headache or ear ache: Babies may experience pain around their ear or a headache due to the constant pressure of clenching the jaw and teeth.
- Tooth sensitivity: As enamel can wear down from consistent teeth grinding, it can lead to tooth sensitivity.
- Difficulty chewing: When teeth grinding causes tooth or jaw pain, it can be difficult for babies to chew.
Long Term Effects Of Infant Teeth Grinding
- Teeth chipping and fractures: Long term infant teeth grinding can lead to the teeth being chipped or cracked.
- Enamel erosion: Chronic teeth grinding can lead to enamel eroding which leads to tooth sensitivity and increases the risk of dental decay.
- Jaw problems: Persistent teeth grinding can lead to jaw problems like TMJ disorder. At the very least, a baby’s jaw muscles can become sore and painful.
When To See A Dentist for Infant Teeth Grinding
While babies grinding their teeth is mostly harmless, it should usually dissipate by the age of 3. If infant teeth grinding does not go away, causes pain or visual teeth issues, it is time to see a dentist. A dentist can provide professional advice and treatment for a baby’s teeth grinding. See a dentist for infant teeth grinding if any of these issues occur:
- Persistent grinding: If infant teeth grinding persists on a regular basis past the age of 3, it is time to see a dentist.
- Visible tooth wear: If the teeth are visibly worn, grinding will have been extensive and dangerous for the health of the tooth. Visible changes may include a change in the shape or appearance, chips or fractures on the tooth.
- Pain in jaw or teeth: If an infant is experiencing pain in the jaw or teeth, it is important to seek dental care. Pain can cause difficulty chewing and general discomfort.
- Sleep disturbances: A baby who is suffering from pain caused by teeth grinding can suffer from a restless sleep, causing irritability.
- The presence of additional symptoms: If other symptoms, like snoring or difficulty breathing, are present in addition to the teeth grinding, a dentist must be consulted.
Treatment for Infant Teeth Grinding
There are a number of ways you can treat infant teeth grinding from reducing stress and encouraging sleep to cold therapy. For those looking for ways to help a baby who is grinding their teeth, try these options.
- Teething aids: Providing teething aids like teething toys can give a baby something to chew on and can help soothe sore teeth by applying pressure without having to grind teeth together. Teething toys include teething rings, natural rubber animal teethers, silicone teething stackers, and wooden teethers.
- Cold therapy: Cold therapy treatment can help relieve the pain of sore teeth that can lead to teeth grinding. Cold therapy treatment includes chilled teething rings, a chilled pacifier, or wet washcloth. The cooling sensation can soothe any inflammation of teeth and gums. Cold therapy does not use frozen items as this can damage the baby’s delicate gums.
- Gum massage: Gentle gum massage can soothe teeth pain associated with teeth grinding. Apply pressure on the gums with a cool spoon or clean finger to help alleviate discomfort.
- Calm bedtime routine: A calm bedtime routine can help with infant teeth grinding as the baby may be less stressed. Establish a consistent bedtime routine in a calm, subdued atmosphere with low lighting. To create calm for sleeptime, use tactics like white noise machines, soothing music, and gentle contact.
- Promote healthy oral habits: As there may be some correlation between oral habits and bruxism, helping a baby have healthy oral habits may reduce the likelihood. This might include the use of pacifiers instead of thumb sucking, and monitoring lip and nail biting.
- Promote healthy eating habits: Make sure your baby has a healthy diet full of calcium and magnesium which are important for strong teeth and muscles. It may not completely stop infant teeth grinding, but will boost their overall health and resilience.
Is Infant Teeth Grinding Ever Normal?
Most of the time infant teeth grinding is normal and very common in babies and young children. Teeth grinding occurs when the jaw and teeth are developing, primarily between the ages of 6 and 10 months. Babies are often curious about their new teeth and how they feel in their mouth and will bite down on them, causing grinding. Sometimes babies will grind their teeth as a result of the pain of teething. A lot of children and babies grind their teeth involuntarily when sleeping.Most babies will grow out of teeth grinding by the time they are 3 years of age so there is no need for treatment. However, should teeth grinding persist or get worse and cause pain or teeth issues, seeking medical advice is recommended.
Babies sometimes grind their teeth. It is a normal and usually harmless habit that will eventually subside without causing any long term issues. If your baby is grinding their teeth, it is important to understand when to be concerned and how to help treat it. Our guide helps explain everything you need to know about infant teeth grinding and when to seek dental assistance from the friendly team at Hawthorn Road Family Dental Clinic.
