An estimated 38 percent of children grind their teeth, according to BabyCenter.com. If you observe this habit in your child, this could be the result of a number of causes ranging from adjusting to new teeth to allergies your baby may be experiencing. While in most instances, this habit is not harmful to your baby, treatments are available to reduce teeth grinding.
Significance
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is the gnashing and grinding of teeth that mostly occurs at night, according to KidsHealth.org. You may identify bruxism by hearing a clicking sound when your baby sleeps or observe her tightly clenching her jaw as she sleeps. If your baby rubs her jaw or head area in the morning, this also could indicate that she is grinding her teeth at night.
Theories/Speculation
The cause of bruxism in children is not known. However, several theories have been proposed as to why babies grind their teeth, including adjustment to developing teeth; a reaction to an earache or other pain; as a result of hyperactivity; or when the teeth do not correctly line up, according to BabyCenter.com and KidsHealth.org. Also, if you or your partner grind your teeth, it's more likely your child will as well.
Time Frame
Tooth grinding occurs in more than half of all children in America. While babies can grind their teeth, the most common age to begin grinding the teeth is age 3 1/2, according to BabyCenter.com. Although adults also can grind their teeth, most people stop at or around the age of 6.
Effects
Although bruxism does not typically cause adverse effects, particularly in babies, the grinding can cause some pain, such a headaches or earaches, according to KidsHealth.org. Teeth grinding also can affect the surface of the teeth, including wearing down the tooth enamel, causing chips in the teeth and increasing temperature sensitivity to very hot or cold foods.
Prevention/Solution
Most babies will outgrow their teeth grinding by age 6, according to BabyCenter.com. However, your child's doctor or dentist may evaluate your child's teeth or growing teeth, which could help determine why your child is grinding her teeth. For example, if the bite seems to be misaligned, this can give your physician an indicator of why your baby is grinding her teeth. If the teeth grinding seems to be especially bothering your child or causing soreness, you may wish to have a specialized mouthpiece developed to minimize teeth grinding, according to KidsHealth.org.
