Bruxism in Infants: Causes, Signs & When to Seek Help

Imagine your little one is sleeping peacefully, and then you hear a strange sound – a tiny grinding noise. It might be a bit unsettling, but it’s actually a common thing called bruxism or teeth grinding in babies. While it can sound alarming, it’s usually not a big deal. However, it’s good for parents to know what it is, what causes it, and when to have a chat with a dentist.

This guide will help you understand bruxism in infants so you can feel more confident and know when to seek help. We’ll discuss why babies might grind their teeth, what signs to look for, and when it’s a good idea to visit a professional, like a Dentist in Springfield or at a Medical & Dental Centre in Springfield.

What Is Bruxism in Infants?

Simply put, bruxism in infants is when babies grind, clench, or rub their teeth together, usually without even knowing they’re doing it. It can happen when they’re awake (called awake bruxism) or, more often, when they’re asleep (called sleep bruxism). You might hear a scraping sound, or you might just notice their jaw muscles moving.

It’s pretty common, especially when babies are around 6 months old to 6 years old, which is when their first teeth, known as primary or “baby” teeth, are coming in and settling.

Common Causes of Bruxism in Babies

It might seem like a mystery why your little one is grinding their teeth, but there are several common reasons. Most of these are completely normal parts of a baby’s development.

1. Teething: This is one of the biggest reasons! When new teeth are pushing through the gums, it can be uncomfortable and even a bit itchy for babies. Grinding their teeth can actually be a way for them to relieve this pressure and soothe their sore gums. It’s like they’re trying to figure out what these new teeth are for!
2. Developing Jaws and Muscles: As babies grow, their jaw muscles and bones are developing at a rapid pace. Sometimes, they might grind their teeth as they learn to move their jaws and get used to how their teeth fit together. It’s a bit like an exercise for their new dental setup.
3. Misaligned Teeth: If a baby’s top and bottom teeth don’t quite line up perfectly, they might grind them together to try and find a more comfortable fit. This is often temporary as their jaws and teeth continue to grow and shift.
4. Stress or Anxiety: Just like adults, babies can experience stress or anxiety, even if it’s from things we might not think are a big deal. Changes in routine, new environments, or even just feeling overtired can sometimes lead to teeth grinding.
5. Ear Pain: An ear infection or even just pressure changes in the ear can sometimes make babies grind their teeth. They might be trying to relieve the pressure or discomfort.
6. Allergies: In some cases, allergies can cause congestion or discomfort, leading to mouth breathing and an altered jaw position, which might encourage teeth grinding.
7. Nutritional Deficiencies: While less common, some studies suggest that certain nutritional deficiencies, like a lack of magnesium, might play a role in teeth grinding. However, this is usually not the primary cause.
8. Other Medical Conditions (Less Common): In rare instances, bruxism can be linked to other medical conditions, such as certain neurological issues or sleep disorders. However, these are far less common than the reasons listed above.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

It’s good to keep an eye out for these signs that your baby might be grinding their teeth:

• Grinding Sounds: The most obvious sign is hearing a distinct grinding or scraping sound, especially when your baby is asleep.
• Worn-Down Teeth: Over time, if the grinding is persistent, you might notice that your baby’s teeth look a bit flatter or shorter than they should. This is usually only seen in more severe cases.
• Facial Pain or Discomfort: Your baby might rub their face or jaw, or seem a bit uncomfortable when you touch their cheeks.
• Trouble Eating: If the grinding is causing pain, your baby might be fussy during meal times or refuse to eat certain foods.
• Headaches (in older infants/toddlers): While harder to tell in very young infants, older babies or toddlers who grind their teeth a lot might wake up with headaches.
• Painful Jaw: You might notice your baby having difficulty opening their mouth wide, or they might seem sensitive when you touch their jaw area.
• Irritability: Constant discomfort from grinding can make your baby more irritable or fussy.

Is Teeth Grinding in Babies Normal?

Yes, for most babies, infant teeth grinding is a normal part of their development. It’s often a temporary phase that resolves on its own as they get older and their teeth and jaws mature. Think of it like another stage they go through, similar to crawling or learning to walk.

Many children will grind their teeth at some point, and for the vast majority, it causes no long-term problems. The primary teeth are also more resilient than adult teeth in some ways, and they are eventually replaced.

When to Be Concerned About Bruxism

While often normal, there are times when it’s a good idea to seek professional advice. You should consider seeing a dentist Springfield if:

• The grinding is very frequent and loud: If it’s happening every night or multiple times a day, and sounds quite forceful.
• Your baby seems to be in pain: If they are frequently rubbing their jaw, crying when they eat, or seem generally uncomfortable.
• You notice changes in their teeth: If their teeth look significantly worn down, chipped, or have any signs of damage.
• The grinding is affecting their sleep: If the grinding sounds are waking your baby up or preventing them from getting restful sleep.
• Your baby has difficulty opening their mouth or chewing: This could indicate jaw pain or muscle stiffness.
• You have other concerns: If you just have a gut feeling that something isn’t quite right, it’s always best to get it checked out.

A dental professional can assess the situation and reassure you, or recommend appropriate steps if needed.

Effects of Bruxism on Baby Teeth and Jaws

In most cases, baby grinding teeth doesn’t cause any lasting harm. Baby teeth are quite strong and designed to withstand some wear and tear. Plus, they eventually fall out to make way for adult teeth.

However, in more severe or prolonged cases, bruxism can potentially lead to:

• Tooth Wear: The most common effect is the wearing down of the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This is usually mild, but if it’s severe, it can expose the inner layers of the tooth.
• Chipped or Fractured Teeth: While less common, very forceful grinding could potentially chip or fracture a tooth.
• Jaw Pain or Discomfort: The constant clenching and grinding can put a strain on the jaw muscles and joints (the temporomandibular joints or TMJ), leading to pain or stiffness.
• Headaches: Older infants or toddlers might experience headaches from the jaw muscle tension.
• Difficulty Chewing: If the teeth are very worn down or the jaw is sore, it might make chewing certain foods uncomfortable.

It’s important to remember that these more serious effects are quite rare, and your dentist will be able to spot them early if you bring your baby in for a check-up.

At-Home Comfort Tips for Parents

While you can’t magically stop your baby from grinding their teeth, there are some things you can do at home to help them feel more comfortable and potentially reduce the grinding:

• Teething Relief: If teething is the cause, offer appropriate teething toys, a cold, damp cloth, or a chilled teething ring. You can also gently massage their gums with a clean finger.
• Establish a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: For sleep bruxism, a calm and consistent bedtime routine can help reduce stress and promote restful sleep. This could include a warm bath, a gentle massage, reading a story, or singing lullabies.
• Address Stress or Anxiety: If possible, try to identify any potential sources of stress for your baby and address them. This might involve maintaining a consistent routine, offering extra cuddles, or providing a comforting environment.
• Warm Compresses: If your baby seems to have jaw pain, a warm, moist cloth applied to their jaw area can help relax the muscles.
• Gentle Jaw Massage: Very gently massage their jaw muscles with your fingertips.
• Ensure Adequate Hydration: Make sure your baby is getting enough fluids.
• Monitor for Allergies: If you suspect allergies are playing a role, discuss this with your paediatrician.
• Avoid Excitement Before Bed: Try to keep playtime calm and avoid overly stimulating activities right before bedtime.

Professional Evaluation and Monitoring

If you are concerned about your baby’s teeth grinding, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with a dentist Springfield. Regular dental check-ups for infants are important even before all their teeth have come in.

During a dental visit, the dentist will:

• Examine Your Baby’s Mouth: They will carefully check your baby’s teeth, gums, and jaw to look for any signs of wear, damage, or discomfort.
• Discuss Symptoms: They will ask you about when the grinding occurs, how often, and any other symptoms you’ve noticed.
• Assess Jaw Movement: They might gently feel your baby’s jaw muscles to check for tenderness or stiffness.
• Rule Out Other Issues: In some cases, they might want to rule out any underlying medical conditions, though this is rare.

In most cases, the dentist will simply reassure you that it’s a normal phase and advise you on monitoring the situation at home. They might suggest follow-up appointments to keep an eye on things.

In rare situations where the bruxism is severe and causing problems, a dentist might suggest:

• Night Guards (for older children): For older children, a custom-fitted night guard can protect the teeth from grinding, but this is generally not used for infants due to their developing jaws.
• Addressing Underlying Causes: If an underlying issue like a significant misalignment or a medical condition is identified, the dentist will work with your paediatrician to address it.

Long-Term Outlook for Infant Bruxism

The good news is that for the vast majority of babies, infant bruxism is a temporary phase. Most children outgrow teeth grinding as their dental arches develop and their adult teeth start to emerge.

It’s very common for toddlers and young children to grind their teeth, and often it stops by the time they are school-aged. While some individuals may continue to experience bruxism into adulthood, it typically presents differently and is often linked to different causes.

Early monitoring and regular dental check-ups ensure that if there are any concerns, they can be addressed promptly, preventing any long-term issues.

Conclusion

Hearing your baby grind their teeth can be worrying, but it’s often a very normal part of their development. By understanding the common causes, knowing what signs to look for, and when to seek professional help, you can feel more confident as a parent.

Remember, most cases of bruxism in infants resolve on their own. However, if you have any concerns at all about your baby’s teeth grinding or if you notice any signs of discomfort or damage, don’t hesitate to reach out to a dental professional.

Your local dentist at Robelle Dental Centre in Springfield is here to help. We can provide reassurance, monitor your baby’s dental health, and ensure that their precious little smiles are healthy and developing well. Early intervention and regular check-ups are key to ensuring your child’s optimal oral health. So, if in doubt, always give them a call!