How to Stop Baby Grinding Teeth
That sound of your baby grinding her teeth in her sleep can be extremely alarming. Grinding teeth, also known as bruxism, while a completely normal development process, can cause potential damage to your baby’s teeth and gums in the long run. While there is no single answer, here are a few pointers to help you stop your baby from grinding teeth:
Examine Diet and Lifestyle
- Check for dietary triggers:A baby’s diet can also trigger bruxism. Make sure that your baby has not been exposed to dairy products, caffeine, chocolate or anything acidic recently.
- Manage stress:Some experts suggest that stress can lead to teeth grinding, so make sure to keep your baby’s environment as stress-free as possible.
- No pacifier or bottle:Avoid using pacifiers or bottles while your baby is sleeping, as they may make grinding more likely.
- Improve sleep habits:Ensure that your baby is getting enough sleep, and following good sleep hygiene practices.
Seek Medical Help
If the above measures do not stop your baby from grinding her teeth, it is time to talk to her doctor.
- Dental visit:Visit the dentist for evaluation to rule out any underlying dental issues. He or she may also suggest a mouth guard or splint.
- Discuss habits:Discuss your baby’s habits, including diet, and any underlying stresses or anxiety that may be causing her grinding.
- Look for other symptoms:Ask the dentist to look for other symptoms that could be present, such as changes in teeth or gum color.
If these approaches still do not work, you may want to discuss other options with your doctor. These include a referral to a sleep specialist or a behavioral therapist.
In the meantime, it is important to stay alert and monitor any changes in your baby’s teeth or gums. You may also want to consider protecting her gums and teeth with a mouth guard.
Grinding teeth may seem like an unnerving experience, but keep in mind that this behavior is a normal part of growth and development, and most cases do not require intervention. Remember that, while uncomfortable, baby teeth grinding should not cause any permanent damage.