How to Get a Baby to Stop Grinding Teeth
Posted on October 25th, 2022 | Christopher Neal
Do you hear that? It sounds like your baby is grinding their teeth again. Teeth grinding, also known as sleep bruxism, can start at any age but is most common in babies, toddlers, and young children.
There are many potential reasons a child might grind their teeth. But if you’re concerned about your child’s teeth grinding, don’t worry—we’re here to help. Keep reading as we discuss the causes of teeth grinding and offer tips on helping your little one stop grinding their teeth.
Why Do Babies Grind Their Teeth?
There are many potential causes of infant teeth grinding, including pain, stress, misaligned teeth, and dehydration. If your child is in pain, it could be due to an ear infection or teething. If their teeth are misaligned, this can cause the jaw muscles to tense up and lead to grinding.
Stress is another common trigger for teeth grinding, and your baby may grind their teeth as a way of expressing their unease.
In some cases, babies who are teething may simply grind their teeth out of curiosity. Additionally, some medical conditions like cerebral palsy can cause teeth grinding, as can certain medications.
How to Stop a Baby From Grinding Teeth
If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth grinding, there are some things you can do to help.
Offer Them a Cold Teething Ring or Wet Washcloth
If your child is teething, they may grind their teeth to relieve the pain. One way to help with this is to offer them a cold teething ring or wet washcloth to chew on. Doing this can help numb the area with the pain and provide some relief.
Ensure They Are Getting Enough Fluids Throughout the Day
Dehydration is a common cause of teeth grinding, so ensure your child gets enough fluids throughout the day. Of course, water is always the best option, but you can also give them juice or milk. Also, try mixing water with juice or milk to make it more palatable for them.
Make Sure They’re Getting Enough Sleep
Sleep deprivation can also lead to teeth grinding, so make sure your child gets enough sleep. A good night’s sleep and regular daytime naps will help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Talk to Their Doctor
If you think your child’s teeth grinding may be due to a medical condition, talk to their doctor about it. They may be able to recommend treatment or medication that can help. Doing this can also rule out any other potential medical causes of the teeth grinding.
Try to Reduce Their Stress
If stress is the cause of your baby’s teeth grinding, there are some things you can do to help reduce their stress levels. These include spending more time on soothing activities, like reading a book together or singing to them, and reducing screen time.
Visit Chicago kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry
With these tips in mind, you can help your little one stop grinding their teeth. However, if the problem persists or you’re concerned about your child’s teeth grinding, visit Chicago kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry.
Our experienced and compassionate pediatric dentists can help to diagnose the cause of your child’s teeth grinding and recommend a treatment plan. We’ll also work with you to help protect their oral health. We’re the most trusted pediatric dentist in Chicago!
Contact us today at (708) 448-6700 to schedule an appointment.
