That squeaky, grating sound coming from your baby’s cot at night can catch any parent off guard. It might happen during the first few months of teething or surface later as a toddler. Either way, hearing your baby grind their teeth tends to prompt the same question: Is this normal?
For most families, it is. Baby teeth grinding, known medically as bruxism, is a recognised part of early childhood development. Young children sometimes grind their teeth but usually grow out of it. If you are looking into children’s dentistry to understand what to watch for, this guide covers the common causes, signs to monitor, and when a dental visit may be worthwhile.
Quick Overview
- Baby teeth grinding (bruxism) is the involuntary clenching or grinding of a child’s upper and lower teeth, often during sleep
- It may affect babies from around 6 months old when teeth first emerge; some toddlers and older children grind their teeth, too
- In many cases, it resolves on its own; a calming bedtime routine and teething toys may reduce grinding in some children
- Jaw development, sleep patterns, stress, bite alignment, and whether permanent teeth have come through all affect how grinding progresses
- Visible tooth wear, jaw pain, disrupted sleep, or grinding that continues past early childhood are signs that a dental check-up may be worthwhile
Below, we explain the common causes, signs to monitor, and what to do if you are concerned.
Why Do Babies Grind Their Teeth?
Infant bruxism does not usually have a single cause. Several factors are linked to it, and more than one may apply at the same time.
Teething and new teeth: When a first tooth appears, the new feeling in the mouth can prompt a baby to press their upper and lower teeth together. This exploratory grinding often settles as the child adjusts to the new tooth.
Jaw development: A baby’s jaw is actively growing and changing. Some grinding may reflect the jaw working through its range of movement as the bite develops.
Sleep patterns: Teeth grinding during sleep is called sleep bruxism. It often occurs during lighter sleep stages. Children who snore or have disrupted sleep can be more prone to grinding.
Stress and changes in routine: Older babies and toddlers may grind their teeth in response to changes in their environment, including starting childcare, new siblings, or shifts in their daily routine.
Bite alignment: If the upper and lower teeth do not come together evenly, the jaw may search for a comfortable resting position, which can involve grinding.
What Are the Signs of Baby Teeth Grinding?
The most common sign is an audible grinding or squeaking sound during sleep. You may also notice:
- Visible tooth wear, such as flattened or chipped surfaces on baby teeth
- Your child rubbing their face or jaw after waking
- Sore gums or increased fussiness during or after teething
- Disrupted sleep
In many cases, the grinding noises are more noticeable to parents than they are problematic for the child. Many kids who grind their teeth don’t know they do. Often, siblings or parents are the ones who notice the problem.
How Common Is Baby Teeth Grinding?
Bruxism is more common in children than in adults, and for many families it is a temporary phase that resolves without treatment.
For most children, the grinding is temporary. Most children stop grinding their teeth on their own, usually around the age of 9 to 10 years. Grinding in infancy is particularly common during teething phases and tends to reduce as the child’s bite and jaw development stabilise.
What Can Parents Do at Home?
While there is no single way to stop a baby from grinding their teeth, some approaches may help reduce discomfort and support better sleep:
- Offer a chilled teething ring before sleep to help soothe sore gums when new teeth emerge. Avoid frozen teething toys, as these can be too hard for delicate gums.
- Establish a calming bedtime routine. A consistent wind-down, such as a warm bath, quiet time, and low stimulation before sleep, may help reduce nighttime grinding linked to overstimulation or stress.
- Try a gentle gum massage with a clean finger if teething discomfort seems to be contributing.
- Avoid wooden teethers with rough surfaces that could damage emerging baby teeth.
- Monitor for excessive grinding. Occasional grinding is generally not a concern. Frequent or loud grinding that disrupts sleep or that coincides with visible tooth wear or jaw pain warrants a dental review.
The Australian Dental Association recommends children have their first dental visit when their first teeth appear in the mouth. Early check-ups allow the dental team to track jaw development and pick up on any signs of wear before they progress.
When Should You See a Dentist About Teeth Grinding?
Most childhood bruxism does not need active treatment. However, some signs suggest it is worth seeking professional advice sooner:
- Your child wakes with consistent jaw pain or facial soreness
- Grinding is loud and nightly, disrupting your child’s sleep
- Grinding continues once permanent teeth have come through
- Your child snores or has other signs of disrupted breathing during sleep
- Visible chipped surfaces appear on baby teeth
A dentist can examine the teeth and jaw, assess whether grinding is affecting the child’s development, and advise whether any action is needed.
A Considered Approach to Children’s Oral Health
Temporary teeth grinding in babies and toddlers is a recognised part of development for many children. Individual outcomes vary, and what is appropriate for one child may differ from another. If you have noticed grinding noises, visible tooth wear, or signs of jaw discomfort in your child, it is worth discussing at their next dental visit.
At D’vine Smiles, the team provides children’s dentistry for families in Greensborough and South Yarra, with a gentle approach aimed at building positive dental habits from the start. To book an appointment for your child or ask about their dental development, get in touch with D’vine Smiles. You can reach the Greensborough clinic on +61 3 4828 7427 or the South Yarra clinic on +61 3 4828 7428.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for babies to grind their teeth?
Yes, it is fairly common. Baby teeth grinding often begins when the first teeth emerge and may continue through the toddler years. For most children, it is a temporary phase linked to jaw development, teething, or sleep patterns. It does not always require treatment, but monitoring is worthwhile.
When do babies start grinding their teeth?
Teeth grinding in babies can begin as early as 6 months old, when the first baby teeth come through. Some children begin grinding later, particularly during the toddler years. The timing and frequency vary between children, and individual factors play a role.
References
Healthdirect Australia. (2024). ‘Teeth grinding (bruxism)’. Healthdirect Australia. Canberra, ACT: Australian Government Department of Health. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/teeth-grinding
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby. (n.d.). ‘Teeth grinding’. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, Healthdirect Australia. Canberra, ACT: Australian Government. https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/teeth-grinding
Australian Dental Association. (n.d.). ‘Dental Care For Kids’. teeth.org.au. Sydney, NSW: Australian Dental Association. https://www.teeth.org.au/dental-care-for-kids