Do Babies Really Grind Their Teeth?
Many parents are shocked to learn their young baby grinds her teeth. While it is not unheard of, it is not common in babies either. Thankfully, there are a few possible causes and solutions so that parents can understand why this is happening and what they can do to help.
Why Do Babies Grind Their Teeth?
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can be caused by many different things. In babies, teeth grinding is commonly caused by discomfort, such as when teething, or when they are overtired. It is also a way for your baby to explore and understand their environment, as well as relieve stress or anxiety.
Signs of Teeth Grinding in Babies
There are a few signs that you can look out for that might be helpful in spotting teeth grinding in babies. These include:
- Noises from the mouth, such as grinding or clicking
- Face rubbing or gripping of the jaw area
- A clenched jaw that does not relax
How to Help Your Baby Stop Teeth Grinding
If your baby is grinding her teeth, here are a few tips to help her stop:
- Reduce stress in your baby’s environment as much as possible.
- Opt for a night-time routine to help your baby relax and drift off to sleep.
- Make sure you are comforting your baby when she is feeling discomfort, such as during teething.
- Gently massage her gums with a cool teething toy.
In some cases, your baby’s teeth grinding might be due to other underlying medical conditions. If your baby is still experiencing discomfort and/or grinding her teeth after trying these tips, it would be wise to talk to your doctor.