Have you ever noticed a weird sound coming from your baby's crib at night? It might be your little one grinding their teeth. As a parent, it's normal to worry when you spot anything unusual with your child. But how concerned should you be about teeth grinding, and why is it happening? Let's dive into this common but often misunderstood issue.

The Mystery of Baby Bruxism

Baby bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common occurrence, particularly in children under the age of 5. It can sound like a cement mixer turning in your child’s mouth while they sleep and can be quite alarming. While the sound may be disturbing, it's often not a cause for concern. The reasons behind this behavior can vary:

• Teething: As new teeth break through the gums, your baby may grind their teeth to alleviate discomfort and assist the teeth with breaking through the gums. Babies also grind at this time to exploring the sensation of the newly erupted teeth

• Jaw growth: Grinding can also be a response to growth of the jaw, shifts from primary to permanent teeth, which differ in size, and the evolving bite. Our upper teeth fit complementary to the bottom teeth. The bite stabilizes somewhat once the baby teeth are in. Then the jaw grows in preparation for new, usually larger adult teeth. This growth causes micro shift in how the upper and lower teeth fit together. Time-limited grinding can assist teeth in finding their new, stable positions in a growing, evolving jaw

• Stress or anxiety: Yes, even babies can experience stress! Changes in routine or environment, difficulty expressing themselves as they develop language skills, and learning how to self-regulate can lead to teeth grinding as a stress response.

• Larger health issues: Persistent grinding, when coupled with other health concerns, may indicate a problem that requires further investigation. Children who have difficulty breathing well at night will often grind in an attempt to position the airway for better breathing or can be a neural response to wake a child who is not getting optimal levels of oxygen. You may find that your child only grinds and snores when they are congested or sick. Grinding can also be a sign of acid reflux, which can lead to tooth damage and other health issues.

Despite these reasons, it's important to remember that baby bruxism is frequently a phase that they outgrow as their oral structure develops.The Effects of Bruxism on Baby Teeth While baby bruxism is generally harmless, prolonged grinding can have some effects on your child's dental health:

• Tooth wear: Over time, grinding can wear down the enamel of your baby's teeth. Wear can be more severe if it is occurs in conjunction with acid reflux, resulting in a condition called acid erosion.
• Chipped teeth: In severe cases, grinding can lead to chipped or cracked baby teeth.
• Head and jaw aches: Overworked and tensed muscles can ache when grinding is excessive or prolonged.

If you notice any of these signs, it's a good idea to consult a pediatric dentist.When to Seek Professional HelpWhile most babies outgrow bruxism, it's crucial to monitor the situation and seek professional help if necessary. Here are some signs that you should consult our team:

• Your child continues to grind their teeth beyond the age of 6.
• The grinding is consistent, as opposed to episodic.
• You notice significant wear or damage to your child's teeth.
• Your child complains of jaw pain or discomfort.

Tips to Alleviate Baby Bruxism

There are several measures you can take to help your baby through this phase:

Maintain a consistent bedtime routine to help reduce stress.

Offer a teething toy or cold teething ring to alleviate teething discomfort.

There is some evidence that dehydration may contribute to bruxism. Ensure your child is getting enough water, which is great for oral and overall health.

Investigate causes of congestion: If your child is constantly stuffy at night, investigate their sleeping environment for items that trap irritants and allergens. Removing shaggy carpets and rugs, excess stuffed animals, and washing bedding frequently can limit allergens and irritants so your child can breathe and sleep easier. Consider air filters and consulting with an allergist if congestion is persistent

Watch your child’s sleep. If your kid is also mouth-breathing and/or snoring at night, it is a sign that they are not breathing well. Another sign is frequent movement or restless sleep. These can be signs of sleep disordered breathing, and you should consult with your pediatric dentist, ENT, or sleep specialist to get to the root of the problem.

Remember, every child is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. It's all about finding what works best for your baby.

Pediatric Dental Care in San Francisco

If you're concerned about your baby's teeth grinding, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Mission Bay Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Erin Shah and her team are here to provide comprehensive dental care for your little one. We're conveniently located in San Francisco, CA, and we're just a phone call away at (415) 825-3323. Let us help you ensure your child's dental health is on the right track.