What Causes Baby Teeth Grinding?
Babies typically start to teeth between four and seven months of age, and it can be a stressful time – both for the baby and the parents. One stress indicator is teething-related grinding of teeth. This is not uncommon and there are a few possible causes.
1. Stress
Babies are not immune to stress, especially when going through transitional periods in their lives like teething. Teeth grinding, an action also known as bruxism, is a sign of anxiety. To reduce stress in your baby’s life, have a set routine and spend lots of quality time with them.
2. Teething Pain
Expectant parents are often warned about the effects of teething on their babies, but be prepared – the pain of emerging teeth can sometimes be very uncomfortable. Teeth grinding may be a way for babies to try and alleviate their discomfort.
3. Sleep Disruption
Similar to stress, sleep patterns are disturbed during major transitions in a baby’s life. Teething causes changes in the sleep and wake cycle. Babies may be in distress and teeth grinding can be a reflex caused by irritation.
Ways to Help
To help a teething and grinding baby, try the following:
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- Gentle Massages – Gently rub the baby’s gums with a clean finger to offer relief.
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- Teething Toys – Try a chilled teething ring or soft toy to gnaw on.
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- Relaxing Bath – Warm baths can help calm them down and relax the muscles of their face.
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- Nutrition – Make sure that their diet is balanced and adequate in minerals and vitamins, as deficiencies can exacerbate teeth grinding.
Every baby is different, so it may take a combination of solutions to find what works best for yours. If the behavior persists, seek the advice of a doctor.