If you’ve ever heard your baby making weird squeaks or scraping sounds at night, you’re not the only one. Tons of parents catch their kids grinding their teeth—sometimes it’s just a soft little chatter, other times it’s so loud it makes you cringe. The official name for this is bruxism. Most people picture adults when they hear that word, but babies and toddlers do it too. So, what’s up with all the teeth grinding? Should you worry? Let’s break down what’s going on, why it happens, and what you can actually do about it.
So ,What Is Baby Teeth Grinding ?
Bruxism just means your baby is rubbing their top and bottom teeth together. Sometimes it’s quiet, sometimes it sounds like they’re chewing gravel. And while adults get all the attention for grinding, babies do it a lot—especially when those first teeth pop through.
When Does This Start?
You’ll usually notice the grinding when your baby’s teeth start coming in—anywhere from six months old up to three years. Some kids do it in the middle of the day, others go at it in their sleep. Nighttime grinding can sound like tiny teeth chattering in the dark.
Why Do Babies Grind Their Teeth?
There’s no single answer. Babies are weird little creatures, and their reasons are all over the place. Here’s what’s usually going on:
1. Teething
When teeth push through, gums get sore. Babies grind to deal with the pain or just that odd feeling.
2. Jaw Development
Their jaws are still figuring things out. Grinding helps them test out these new teeth, work those jaw muscles, and see how everything fits.
3. Exploring Sensations
Babies are curious about everything, especially their own mouths. That feeling of teeth scraping together? It’s new and, for them, kind of interesting.
4. Anger or Stress
Yep, even babies get stressed. A sudden change, a new place, or just being overtired can make them grind. Sometimes it’s just how they settle themselves.
5. Ear Pain or Discomfort
If your kid has an earache or sore jaw, they might grind their teeth without even thinking about it. It’s like their body’s way of coping with pain.
6. Teeth That Don’t Line Up
When teeth are crooked or the bite feels off, kids sometimes grind to try to sort things out. You’ll see older toddlers do this even more when they start losing baby teeth.
Is This Normal?
Yes, totally. About one in three babies or toddlers will grind their teeth at some point. Most of the time, it’s just a phase. They usually stop once their teeth and jaw settle down. Unless your baby is grinding super hard or doing it nonstop, there’s no real reason to worry. But if you’re concerned, or if it seems constant, check in with your pediatrician or dentist. It’s always better to ask if something feels off.
How to Stop Baby Grinding Teeth
If your baby keeps grinding their teeth, you’re probably feeling a little uneasy. Honestly, you’re not the only one. Babies do this for all sorts of reasons—sometimes it’s teething, sometimes it’s just one of those weird baby habits. But you’ve got options to help.
1. Comfort Teething Gums
When teething’s to blame, comfort is your best bet. Hand your baby a teething toy, a cold washcloth, or a chilled teething ring. Even a cold spoon can take the edge off sore gums and distract them from grinding. Some parents go for teething gels, but always run that by your pediatrician first.
2. Calm Them Down Before Bed
A lot of babies grind their teeth at night, usually because they’re a little too wired. You can help by building a calm bedtime routine—think a warm bath, a bedtime story, or just some gentle rocking. The whole point is to help your baby wind down so stress doesn’t sneak in right before sleep.
3. Keep an Eye Out for Ear Infections
If your baby is grinding during the day and you notice ear pulling, fussiness, or a fever, don’t brush it off. Sometimes an ear infection is the real issue. If you spot these signs, call your pediatrician. Treating an ear infection can make the grinding stop.
4. Help Them Relax
Older babies and toddlers sometimes grind their teeth when they’re upset or stressed. Extra cuddles, soft music, or a gentle massage before bed can help them relax and let go of all that tension.
5. Talk to a Pediatric Dentist
If the grinding just won’t quit, or if something seems off with your baby’s teeth or jaw, bring it up with a pediatric dentist. They’ll check things out and let you know what’s next.
When Should You Worry About Teeth Grinding?
Most of the time, grinding isn’t a big deal and just fades away. Still, there are a few red flags to watch for:
- Grinding that gets more frequent or intense
- Teeth look worn down or damaged
- Jaw pain, swelling, or discomfort
- Trouble opening or closing the mouth
If you notice any of these, call your doctor or dentist.
Conclusion
No need to panic. Babies grind their teeth all the time, and almost always, they just grow out of it as their mouths develop. If you’re worried or things feel out of control, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician or dentist.
The sound of teeth grinding can be unsettling, but it’s usually just another baby phase. With a little patience and comfort, this habit usually disappears on its own. Take a breath—you and your baby will get through this.
