Infant bruxism, the medical term for teeth grinding, is common when babies or young children involuntarily clench or rub their teeth together. This behavior can happen while a child is awake (awake bruxism) or more frequently during sleep (sleep bruxism). While the sound of teeth grating can be concerning, this habit is often a temporary part of normal development. Understanding the underlying reasons allows parents to implement effective strategies to help their baby through this phase.
Common Reasons Why Babies Grind Their Teeth
Teeth grinding often indicates developmental changes occurring within the baby’s mouth and jaw structure. When the first teeth erupt, the baby’s bite is unstable, and they may grind their teeth together to explore these sensations. This action helps them learn how their upper and lower jaws align and how to use the muscles involved in chewing. The grinding can be a natural reflex as the jaw muscles develop and strengthen to accommodate the emerging primary teeth.
Physiological discomfort is a frequent trigger for bruxism in infants and toddlers. Teething pain, particularly the pressure felt as new teeth push through the gums, may be momentarily relieved by the counter-pressure of clenching or grinding. The close connection between the jaw and the ear means that discomfort from conditions like mild ear infections, allergies, or sinus pressure can also lead to grinding as the child attempts to relieve the internal ache.
Emotional or behavioral factors can contribute to the habit, particularly in older infants and toddlers. Teeth grinding can serve as a self-soothing mechanism, acting as a response to overstimulation, fatigue, or stress. Tension caused by changes in routine, separation anxiety, or general hyperactivity can manifest as tension that the child unconsciously releases through jaw movement. This involuntary habit often peaks around age three and frequently resolves on its own as the child matures.
At-Home Strategies to Reduce Teeth Grinding
Parents can employ several strategies to help minimize the frequency and intensity of infant bruxism. Since stress and overstimulation are often underlying causes, establishing a predictable and calming bedtime routine is beneficial. This routine should include quiet activities like reading a book, a warm bath, or a gentle massage to help the child transition to a restful state. Avoid stimulating activities and screen time in the hour leading up to sleep to promote relaxation and reduce muscular tension in the jaw.
To address physiological discomfort, focus on alleviating teething pain and promoting hydration. Offer a cold, wet washcloth or a chilled, natural rubber teether for the baby to chew on before sleep or when grinding is noticed. The cooling sensation can temporarily numb the gums and redirect the grinding behavior toward a softer object. Ensuring the baby receives adequate fluid intake throughout the day is important, as dehydration can contribute to muscle tension and teeth grinding.
Encouraging oral-motor development can help the child strengthen and coordinate their chewing muscles. Introduce age-appropriate foods that require chewing effort, which helps the jaw develop correctly and may reduce the need to explore alignment through grinding. Fibrous foods like cooked vegetables, appropriately sized pieces of tender meat, and firm fruits encourage the jaw to work through a full range of motion. This active mastication stimulates bone growth and helps the teeth settle into a comfortable position.
Parents can perform gentle facial massage to relieve jaw tension before naps or bedtime. Use a circular motion to gently rub the baby’s cheeks and the muscles around the jawline, which promotes muscle relaxation. For older babies and toddlers, engaging in playful oral motor activities, such as exaggerated open-and-close mouth movements or practicing blowing bubbles, can strengthen the muscles that control the jaw. This helps train the child’s oral structures and provides a healthy outlet for muscular energy.
Identifying When Teeth Grinding Requires a Doctor’s Visit
While most cases of infant bruxism are harmless and self-resolving, certain signs indicate the need for a professional evaluation by a pediatrician or pediatric dentist. If the grinding is persistent past the toddler stage, or if it is accompanied by obvious signs of pain, a doctor’s visit is warranted. The most concerning sign is visible damage to the teeth, such as noticeable wear patterns, flattened chewing surfaces, or small chips in the enamel of the primary teeth.
Seek advice if the child frequently wakes up complaining of a sore jaw, facial pain, or headaches, which can result from chronic muscle strain. Grinding that is loud and severe enough to disrupt the child’s sleep, or is coupled with other signs of a breathing issue like heavy snoring or gasping, is also concerning. These symptoms could suggest a link to underlying issues such as malocclusion (misaligned teeth) or obstructive sleep apnea. Early consultation ensures that any dental damage is monitored and potential medical causes are addressed.