The The Ultimate Guide to Toddler Teeth Grinding
If you’ve noticed your baby grinding teeth while awake or asleep, you might be wondering if it’s normal or something to be concerned about. Bruxism (teeth grinding) is a common habit in infants and toddlers. While most cases are harmless, persistent grinding can lead to dental and jaw problems.
Parents often ask, Why does my baby grind her teeth? or How to prevent toddlers grinding teeth at night? To answer these questions, we shall examine the causes of teeth grinding in babies, the possible risks involved, and professionally-supported solutions that will prevent this habit.
Once you’ve gone through this guide, you will understand why your baby grinds teeth, if you need intervention and ways to control the habit effectively.
Read More: A Guide to Morning Routines for Toddlers and Preschoolers
What Is Bruxism in Toddlers and Babies?
Bruxism is involuntary grinding, gnashing, or clenching of the teeth. It mostly occurs in young children, particularly between 6 months and 3 years of age. Other toddlers grind their teeth when they sleep, and others do so while awake.
Most cases of infant grinding teeth are temporary and stop by the age of 5 or 6. Excessive grinding, however, can wear down the enamel, and the infant may become sensitive, hurt, and discomfort jaw.
Visit Here: How to Treat Early Morning Wakings in Babies and Toddlers
Why Do Babies Grind Their Teeth? Common Causes
1. Teething Pain
Teething is one of the most frequent causes of a baby grinding teeth. When their first teeth erupt, babies get irritated gums, and this can cause bruxism.
• A 6 month old grinding teeth is probably trying to ease gum pain.
• A 7 month old grinding teeth might be responding to the feeling of new teeth coming in.
• An 8 month old grinding teeth awake is finding out how their new teeth feel.
This behavior typically stops once teething is finished.
2. Misaligned Teeth (Malocclusion)
If a toddler’s teeth are not aligned correctly, they will grind their teeth unconsciously to adjust their bite. This can be the reason why a one year old grinding teeth awake continues to clench jaws.
3. Sensory Development & Exploration
Infants test their surroundings using their mouths. At times, a baby grinds front teeth because they’re experimenting with various sensations.
4. Stress or Anxiety
Bruxism may be associated with stress in older toddlers. Although babies don’t react to stress the same way adults do, toddlers might grind their teeth as a result of:
• Separation anxiety
• Something new about their environment (e.g., beginning daycare)
• Too much stimulation right before bedtime
A 3 year-old grinding teeth awake might be doing so for reasons of emotion as opposed to discomfort.
5. Sleep Disorders & Bruxism
Some toddlers develop toddler grinding teeth awake or during sleep due to sleep disorders. Why do toddlers grind their teeth? It may be attributed to:
• Light stages of sleep
• Sleep apnea or breathing difficulty
• Frustrated sleep due to discomfort
A 2 year old grinding teeth sleeping may have mild sleep disruptions that cause unconscious clenching.
6. Medical Conditions & Medications
Some conditions such as acid reflux, ear infections, or vitamin deficiency can cause infants grinding teeth. If your baby grinds teeth excessively, see a pediatrician.
Indications That Your Toddler Is Grinding Their Teeth
Parents will not always catch their baby grinding teeth at night, but watch out for these indicators:
• Loud grinding sounds at night
• A visible wear on teeth
• Tooth sensitivity
• Jaw pain complaints
• Disturbed sleep patterns
If your 11 month old grinding teeth or older child presents with these symptoms, observe the behavior.
Is Toddler Bruxism Dangerous?
Most cases of baby grinding teeth during teething or sleep are benign and resolve on their own. But repeated bruxism may lead to:
• Enamel wear, predisposing to cavities
• Tooth sensitivity or pain
• Pain in the jaw (TMJ disorder)
If your 1 year old grinding teeth excessively, get professional help.
How to Prevent Toddlers from Grinding Teeth – Proven Solutions
1. Give Teething Relief
For infants with baby grinding teeth while teething, try these solutions:
• Cold teething rings to calm gums
• Soft silicone teethers
• Gum massages with a clean finger
2. Create a Calming Bedtime Routine
As stress and sleep disruptions cause toddlers grinding teeth, establish a soothing bedtime routine:
• A warm bath at bedtime
• Soft lullabies or white noise
• No screen time before bed
A 2 year old grinding teeth while sleeping could help with a more consistent bedtime schedule.
3. Monitor Diet & Nutrition
Get your child the right amount of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D since bruxism could be caused by a deficiency in any of these elements. Don’t provide sugary food before night because it can worsen baby teeth grinding.
4. Encourage Positive Oral Habits
If your one year old grinding teeth persists with the habit, remind them gently to remine during the day. Tell them grinding hurts their teeth.
5. Choose the Proper Toothpaste
For infants who have begun brushing, applying the best toothpaste for infants is important. Choose fluoride-free toothpaste suitable for young children.
6. Consult a Pediatric Dentist if Needed
If you are concerned about how to prevent toddlers from grinding teeth during sleep, consult a professional. A dentist can recommend:
A soft mouthguard (in extreme cases)
Behavior modification strategies
Read More: The Hidden Benefits of Being a Stay at Home Mom That Nobody Talks About
Natural Remedies & Home Solutions for Toddler Bruxism
Numerous parents prefer natural methods of stopping infants from grinding teeth to seeking professional treatments. Some safe home remedies are mentioned below:
1. Teething Remedies for Babies
• Cold Washcloth: Allow your baby to chew on a cold (not iced) washcloth to ease gums.
• Teething Biscuits: Soft, dissolvable biscuits offer relief when chewed safely.
• Organic Teething Gels: Apply gentle, natural teething gels free from benzocaine.
2. Herbal Remedies for Relaxation
If stress is an issue in toddlers grinding teeth awake, soothing herbal remedies can be useful:
• Chamomile Tea: A small quantity (chilled) at bedtime can calm a cranky toddler.
• Lavender Oil Massage: Massaging a diluted lavender oil blend on the jaw can relax tensed muscles.
3. Warm Compress for Jaw Relaxation
• When grinding results in jaw tension, place a warm towel over your toddler’s jaw for several minutes before bedtime.
When to See a Doctor or Dentist?
Consult a doctor if your baby is grinding teeth frequently and presents with:
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Frequent severe jaw pain
• Disturbed sleep
• Ongoing grinding after age 5
A pediatric dentist can determine if intervention is required for your 1 year old grinding teeth or older child.
Also Visit: Master Cloth Diapering with This Ultimate Guide
Conclusion: When to Worry & When to Relax
Babies’ teeth grinding is often usually a temporary phase that resolves its own. Though minor cases don’t need treatment, chronic bruxism does. Follow these expert-recommended tips to prevent infant grinding teeth and keep your child’s oral health stays on track. If you ever have any doubts, consulting a pediatric dentist is always a good idea.
Have you seen your baby grinding teeth lately? In the comments section, tell us about your experience!
