Why Is My Baby Grinding Their Teeth? Causes & Simple Solutions

Babies grind their teeth because they are teething, exploring, or trying to soothe discomfort, and it’s usually normal.

This behavior is known as bruxism. It often starts when babies get their first few teeth, usually around 6 to 10 months, and continues through toddler years. It might look and sound scary, but for most parents, it’s nothing to panic about. Still, knowing the causes and solutions helps prevent problems later.

To protect your baby’s smile from the start, contact PVPD to schedule your first visit today.

What Is Bruxism in Babies?

Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding or jaw clenching. Adults do it, kids do it, and yes, babies do it too.

You might hear a squeaky, grating sound when your baby is awake or even when they’re sleeping. They might also move their jaw from side to side. This can happen during the day or at night.

It usually begins when a baby’s top and bottom teeth come in and start to make contact, often between 6 and 12 months of age.

Here are some examples by age group to get you started:

10-Month-Old Grinding While Awake: Normal. Probably teething or just discovering how their teeth feel. Offer a teether.
1-Year-Old Grinding Teeth at Night: Still normal. If no other symptoms are present, wait and watch. Keep the sleep environment calm.
2-Year-Old Still Grinding Teeth: Time for a dental check-up. It may be due to a misaligned bite or habit that needs attention.

5 Top Reasons Your Baby is Grinding Their Teeth

There are a few main reasons:

1. Teething discomfort

When new teeth are coming in, the gums get sore and itchy. Babies don’t know how to scratch that itch, so they grind. It’s their way of coping.

2. Exploring new feelings

At 9 to 12 months, babies are discovering their bodies. Once they feel those new teeth, they try them out, just like they try to stand or clap. Grinding is part of that experimentation.

3. Pain or ear pressure

Some babies grind their teeth if they have an earache or pain from a cold. They might do it to relieve pressure.

4. Sleep-related issues

Grinding can happen during light sleep or while transitioning between sleep stages. If your baby grinds teeth at night, it might be happening unconsciously.

5. Stress or frustration

Even babies feel stress. A change in routine, a new sibling, or separation anxiety could trigger grinding.

When Should You Worry?

Most of the time, bruxism in babies goes away on its own. But there are a few signs to watch out for:

Chipped or worn-down teeth
Red, swollen gums
Disrupted sleep
Jaw clicking
Complaints of pain in the jaw or face (for older toddlers)

If you are starting to see any of these signs, read expert dental insights on teeth grinding for infants and toddlers. It’s always better to check early than wait too long.

Is Grinding Teeth Linked to Autism?

Some studies show that children with autism may have higher chances of bruxism, especially during sleep. However, grinding by itself does not indicate autism.

Don’t make snap judgments about your baby.

Consult your physician if you observe any additional symptoms, such as repetitive habits, poor eye contact, or delayed speech.

4 Ways You Can Stop a Baby from Grinding Their Teeth

If your infant isn’t hurting or breaking their teeth, you usually don’t need to do anything. But if it’s frequent or loud, here are some safe steps you can take:

1. Offer teething toys

Give your baby a safe teething toy or a cool and damp washcloth to chew on. This helps soothe sore gums and gives them something better to grind on. Cold pressure can be calming for teething babies.

2. Keep their sleep routine smooth

Sleep also plays a big role. Babies who are overtired or overstimulated may grind more, especially at night. Try to keep a calm and consistent bedtime routine.

A warm bath, soft lighting, and quiet time before sleep (with no sugar or screen time) can help your baby settle more easily.

3. Monitor their stress

If your home has been busy, maybe you’ve had visitors, travel, or changes in routine, your baby might be reacting to that, even if they can’t say it. Comfort them with extra snuggles or quiet play. Babies can’t always express stress, but they do feel it.

4. Talk to your dentist

If your baby is over 12 months and the grinding is constant, make an appointment with a pediatric dentist. They may recommend a custom baby-safe mouthguard, though this is rare.

For most babies, this phase passes quietly, just like crawling or drooling and their teeth come in just fine.

Final Thoughts

Although teeth grinding in infants can be frightening, it’s usually not a cause for concern. In most cases, it’s just a phase. Still, staying aware of the symptoms helps prevent any long-term issues.

A great place to start is getting in touch with a Pediatric Dentist at PVPD. Our team is highly experienced in handling infant dental health in a gentle way.

5 Reasons Your Baby is Grinding Their Teeth & Solutions