Have you ever wondered why your little one is constantly grinding their teeth? It can be concerning but fear not because we are here with answers. Explore the common reasons behind why babies grind their teeth and methods to help them.
So Why Do Babies Grind Teeth?
1. Becoming Habitual of The New Entry In Mouth
Do you know those adorable little pearly whites that are starting to appear? Well, your baby might just be getting used to them. It is like discovering a whole new sensation in their mouth!
Usually, this happens between ages 8 to 10 months. These curious explorers start grinding their teeth in response.
2. For Pain Relief
Teething is a painful process, and your baby grinding their teeth might just be a way of finding relief from pain. The discomfort may go beyond their gums and even affect their ears. By rubbing their teeth together, babies alleviate the pain in these areas, offering them a soothing sensation.
3. Calming Sore Gums
When those first teeth start breaking through the gumline around 3 to 4 months, it can cause soreness in gum tissues. In response, they may start grinding their teeth as a means of soothing themselves.
4. Stress Response
You may think, what can stress out a baby? Well, they also have unique challenges. As they grow older, experiences such as weaning or changes in their environment may stress them out, leading to teeth clenching.
5. Possible Medical Conditions
In some cases, teeth clenching may be due to certain medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy, or be a side effect of specific medications.
Consequences of Teeth Grinding
The good news is that for infants, teeth grinding usually does not have significant long-term consequences, and they mostly outgrow it. However, if it still persists as they get older, it is essential to get in touch with your pediatric dentist.
In older children, bruxism may be a sign of anxiety and can lead to tooth wear or damage, as well as TMJ disorder.
Teeth Grinding Symptoms
Watch out for these common symptoms:
- Frequent teeth grinding and jaw clenching
- Grinding loudly
- Damaged or worn teeth
- Complaints of earaches
How To Help Your Child Stop From Grinding Their Teeth?
Here are some helpful, practical tips for preventing or reducing this issue:
Teeth Grinding In Babies
For babies, try these remedies:
- Use soft rubber teethers that conform to your child’s mouth.
- Get cold rubber teething toys to ease the pain of incoming teeth.
- Purchase silicone teething necklaces for them to chew on safely.
Toddler Grinding Teeth Remedies
For toddlers, stress relief is often a key factor in teeth grinding
- Divert their mind by reading a book together to soothe them.
- Use dim lights in the room gradually as bedtime approaches.
- Use a white noise machine to create a relaxing atmosphere.
- Establish a screen time curfew to avoid excessive screen time before bedtime.
Closing Note
Want to know more about pediatric dentistry in Cinco Ranch Family Dentistry? For more information on our pediatric services, dial (281) 407-5442 to connect with us.