Parents of young ones often notice a grinding or clenching sound when their infant is asleep. These noises, dubbed “bruxism,” might seem alarming—yet they are actually quite common among tiny teeth-bearers. So, why do babies grind their teeth?
What Causes Babies to Grind Their Teeth?
At first, it’s hard to imagine why an infant might have a habit of grinding their teeth. After all, their tooth enamel is much softer compared to an adult’s much harder tooth surfaces.
Yet bruxism can have many causes, similar to those that cause adult teeth grinding. For example, discomfort or pain due to teething is believed to be one of the major factors behind baby teeth grinding. The act of tooth grinding is believed to provide relief from the pain and inflammation felt during the teething process.
In addition, anxiety and stress can also manifest themselves in the form of teeth grinding. Unfamiliar environments, fear of the dark, and separation anxiety can all lead to teeth grinding. Babies can also grind or clench their teeth if they are stressed due to sleeping or eating issues.
Sometimes, the cause may have nothing to do with the teething process or emotions. For instance, the grinding sound can be associated with the infant having an increased bite strength. Babies often have a surprisingly strong bite, and it is possible that the force of their bite is more than their tooth enamel can handle.
Is Teeth Grinding Harmful for Babies?
The good news is that baby teeth grinding is typically mild and generally harmless. Studies in 2015 suggest that the force behind the grinding is much less than what adults may feel when they grind their teeth.
That being said, in rare cases—teeth grinding can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. For example, the Sacramento Dentistry Group states that the sound of teeth grinding can be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux, which is a digestive disorder known to affect babies.
In such cases, a doctor will usually diagnose the condition and suggest treatment. If there is no such underlying condition, a visit to the dentist may still be in order when your baby is around one year old. This will help make sure that there are no signs of dental damage due to the grinding, and any attention needed for the teeth can be provided.
How Can Parents Help Their Babies Stop Grinding Their Teeth?
When it comes to helping an infant stop grinding their teeth, it all comes down to ensuring their comfort. A gentle massage near the jaw and lips can often provide a soothing effect—especially when combined with warm cloths placed on the cheeks.
Easing them into sleep can also help. Best Sleep practices involve putting the infant to bed when they are drowsy, but not asleep. This will give them the opportunity to fall asleep on their own terms, and decrease their stress levels.
Quality sleep should also include avoiding distractions and loud sounds, using a night lamp, and setting up a sleep-friendly environment. The infant’s sleepwear should be comfortable, and the mattress should be firm enough to offer optimal support.
Parents should also stay aware of any dental appliances that their baby may have. This may include pacifiers, which can both soothe and relax the baby, but can also increase the chance of grinding their teeth. It is therefore advised to restrict their use, and also to choose only a pacifier that is specifically made for babies, and is free from BPA, phthalates, and other potentially harmful substances.
Conclusion
To sum up, baby teeth grinding—or bruxism—is generally harmless and does not require treatment. It can have many causes—from teething, to anxiety, to the infant’s habit of having a strong bite. As such, the same causes should be addressed if the parents wish to reduce the chances of their baby grinding their teeth.
Creating a comfortable sleep environment, avoiding loud sounds and distractions, using a night lamp, ensuring quality sleep and restricting the use of pacifiers can all help in reducing baby teeth grinding. Of course, if the parents notice any signs of an underlying medical condition or fear any damage to the teeth, consulting with their doctor or pediatric dentist should be their top priority.
References
Wilson, K. (2015, August 14). Pediatrician-approved tips to help babies stop grinding their teeth. Retrieved from www.sacramentodentistrygroup.com/pediatrician-approved-tips-help-babies-stop-grinding-teeth/
Catterall, R. (2018, October 1). Teething: A guide for parents from birth to three years. Retrieved from www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/teething-guide/
Chocker, S. (2021, February 11). Teething: Signs, symptoms and remedies. Retrieved from www.babycentre.co.uk/a546780/teething-signs-symptoms-and-remedies