Did you know that a new tooth may cause your baby grinding new teeth? When your baby’s top and bottom teeth do not align properly, or when they first start to explore their teeth, they may be stressed and anxious, resulting in teeth grinding. Some of the most common causes of teeth grinding are listed below. But it’s not necessary to worry because these habits will eventually fade. Here are some common concepts to look out for and consider if you notice your baby grinding their new teeth.
Tooth grinding is a common developmental activity for young children, especially during sleep. It’s estimated that about half of all toddlers grind their teeth at night. According to pediatric dentist Samer Hakimeh, grinding is normal at this age. However, your child’s teeth may also cause pain in the jaw and facial area. The best thing to do is to figure out what’s causing the behavior and address it. Then, try to distract your child with a soothing bedtime routine.
Other causes of bruxism include anxiety and stress. It may be a reaction to teething or earaches. In some cases, it may even be the result of anxiety. Thankfully, bruxism is a completely normal development that will likely outgrow itself. Just be aware that it’s perfectly normal for your child to grind their teeth; it will most likely go away in time. You may want to visit a dentist to help your child overcome their bruxism.
The habit will likely pass if your baby grinds their teeth while teething. However, if you are worried about your child’s health, you should schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist as soon as the first tooth appears. Regular dental checkups will keep your child’s teeth healthy and free of problems. In addition, a cold teething ring can help alleviate the grinding habit. It’s also possible that teeth grinding will cause ear aches in some children.
Teeth grinding may be a precursor to mental illness. Teeth grinding can occur during sleep or waking hours. If it persists, your child may be at risk for dental complications. In the longer run, teeth grinding can lead to problems with jaw alignment. It may be caused by caffeine, ear infections, or even malocclusion. The problem may be genetic. You can talk to your pediatrician about how to stop your child from grinding their teeth.
See a pediatric dentist immediately if your child grinds their teeth while sleeping. Your dentist can look for specific wear patterns on the teeth which are consistent with the bruxism diagnosis. Bruxism can also be caused by jaw misalignment. Pediatric dentists can prescribe or change your child’s medication to alleviate the problem. In many cases, the problem goes away when the child’s adult teeth replace the baby teeth.
