How to Stop Infant From Grinding Teeth: Causes and Solutions

If you have noticed your infant or young child grinding their teeth during the night, you are not alone. Teeth grinding, medically known as bruxism, is a common occurrence in children of all ages, including very young ones. 

Understanding how to stop infant from grinding teeth starts with understanding why it is happening in the first place, since the causes and the right responses vary depending on the child's age and the severity of the grinding.

Is Infant Teeth Grinding Normal?

In many cases, yes. Bruxism is quite common in infants and toddlers, particularly during sleep. Estimates suggest that a significant portion of young children grind their teeth at some point, and for most of them it is a temporary phase that resolves on its own without intervention. Young children often grind as they are getting used to the sensation of having teeth, as a response to teething discomfort, or simply as a habit that develops and then fades during early childhood.

The fact that baby teeth are being ground does not typically cause the level of wear concern that grinding in older children or adults does, since primary teeth will eventually be replaced by permanent ones. That said, significant grinding can cause wear on the tooth surfaces, discomfort, or other issues that warrant monitoring and occasional professional evaluation.

Is Teeth Grinding Harmful to Baby Teeth?

In most cases, mild grinding during infancy and toddlerhood does not cause significant damage to baby teeth. Baby teeth are naturally smaller and the forces involved in early childhood grinding are generally not severe enough to cause major wear. However, more persistent or forceful grinding, particularly as the child gets older, can gradually wear down the enamel on baby or permanent teeth, potentially leading to sensitivity and an increased risk of cavities in the affected areas.

If you notice your child's teeth appearing shorter or more flattened than expected, or if your child mentions tooth sensitivity without another clear cause, it is worth bringing up at the next dental visit. A pediatric evaluation can determine whether any protective measures are appropriate.

Common Causes of Teeth Grinding in Children

Understanding the underlying cause helps parents and dental providers determine the most appropriate response. The most common reasons children grind their teeth include teething and gum discomfort, stress or anxiety related to changes in routine or environment, sleep disturbances such as snoring or sleep apnea, misalignment of the teeth or bite, and as a habit that develops alongside other oral behaviors.

In older children and teens, emotional stress and anxiety are among the more significant contributors to bruxism. Academic pressure, social dynamics, and changes at home can all manifest in increased nighttime grinding. If a parent notices that their child's grinding seems to coincide with particularly stressful periods, addressing the emotional component alongside any dental management may be helpful.

How to Stop Infant From Grinding Teeth at Night

For very young infants whose grinding appears related to teething, offering a clean, cool teething toy before sleep can help relieve gum discomfort and reduce the urge to grind. Establishing a calm, consistent bedtime routine reduces overall tension that might otherwise manifest as grinding during sleep. Keeping the pre-sleep environment as calm and predictable as possible, with consistent timing and limited stimulation in the hour before bed, supports the kind of relaxed sleep state in which grinding is less likely to occur.

For older toddlers and children where stress appears to be a contributing factor, creating space during the day to talk about feelings, maintaining reassuring daily rhythms, and ensuring adequate physical activity to support good sleep quality are all practical approaches. These strategies address the underlying conditions that contribute to grinding rather than focusing solely on the behavior itself.

In cases where grinding is significant, persistent, or causing noticeable wear on the teeth, a visit to a pediatric dental or orthodontic provider can help determine whether any intervention is appropriate at your child's current developmental stage.

When Is a Mouthguard for Teeth Grinding Appropriate?

A mouthguard for teeth grinding, also called an occlusal guard or night guard, is a custom-fitted appliance worn during sleep to protect the tooth surfaces from the forces of grinding. For young infants and toddlers, a mouthguard is generally not recommended since the primary dentition is still developing and the grinding usually resolves on its own. For older children and teens whose grinding is persistent, is causing visible wear on the permanent teeth, or is resulting in jaw pain or headaches, a custom night guard may be a helpful option worth discussing with a dental provider. The article on the best mouthguard for teeth grinding offers more detailed guidance for families navigating this decision.

It is important that any mouthguard used by a child is properly fitted by a dental professional rather than sourced as a generic over-the-counter product. An improperly fitted guard can be uncomfortable, ineffective, and in some cases may even interfere with normal dental development. A pediatric evaluation can determine whether a custom guard is appropriate and ensure that it fits correctly from the beginning.

Does Grinding Always Need Treatment?

Not always. Many children grind their teeth for a period of time and then stop without any intervention or lasting effects. The decision to treat bruxism depends on how severe it is, whether it is causing symptoms like jaw discomfort, headaches, or visible tooth wear, and whether an underlying cause such as a bite issue or sleep problem has been identified. A pediatric dental evaluation is the most reliable way to assess whether your child's grinding requires active management or simply careful monitoring over time.

Parents sometimes worry that grinding will permanently damage their child's teeth. For most young children, the grinding affects the primary teeth and does not compromise the permanent teeth developing beneath the surface. However, grinding that persists into the years when permanent teeth are present does carry a greater risk of wear and may benefit from protective measures.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age do children typically stop grinding their teeth?

Most children who grind their teeth as infants or toddlers naturally stop the behavior by the time their baby teeth are fully in and the teething phase has passed, often by age 5 or 6. Some children continue grinding or begin again during periods of stress or when permanent teeth are erupting. Each child is different, and if grinding persists beyond the early childhood years or is accompanied by symptoms, a professional evaluation is the most helpful next step.

Can teeth grinding cause jaw pain in children?

Yes, significant or chronic grinding can lead to jaw soreness, tenderness around the jaw joint, headaches upon waking, and occasionally earaches. If your child regularly complains of jaw discomfort in the morning or seems to have unexplained facial pain, mentioning this to their dental provider at the next visit is important so the cause can be investigated and addressed appropriately.

What is the difference between bruxism and normal infant mouth movements?

Normal infant oral activity includes sucking, rooting, and occasional jaw movements that are part of early feeding development and exploration. Bruxism specifically involves a lateral or back-and-forth grinding motion of the teeth against each other and tends to be most audible during light sleep. If you are not sure whether what you are hearing is grinding or another type of oral movement, describing what you observe to the pediatric dental provider at your child's next visit will help them assess whether any monitoring or evaluation is warranted.

Supporting Your Child Through This Common Phase

Knowing how to stop infant from grinding teeth, and understanding when it simply requires patience versus when professional input is helpful, gives parents the tools to respond calmly and thoughtfully. At Kidco Dental, the team is experienced in evaluating bruxism across all ages and can provide the guidance needed to determine the right course of action for your child. Whether you are looking for reassurance that the grinding will pass or are seeking solutions for a more persistent case, scheduling a visit is always a worthwhile step.