Bruxism or grinding of the teeth is not uncommon in babies, but the horrible grating sound can be a cause of concern for parents. Although your baby is not likely to suffer any injury or do any damage from grinding his or her teeth, it can be hard to listen to. For most children though, grinding teeth is a part of natural development, and is best ignored as much as possible by parents.
Many babies grind their teeth, particularly during the teething phase. It is believed to be one way some babies get used to the new teeth in their mouth and is not a cause for concern. Although it sounds horrible and painful, baby teeth are not as sensitive as permanent teeth. Baby teeth have less fully developed nerves and roots. So while a tooth erupting from sensitive gums can be very painful, once a tooth is fully established it is much less sensitive. While the sound of grinding teeth is horrible, your baby is probably only feeling a rubbing sensation. Some babies grind their teeth precisely because they find that rubbing sensation or the noise comforting.
The exact cause for grinding teeth in babies is unknown, but many experts believe it might be related to a slight misalignment of teeth, stuffy noses from colds or allergies, or for relief from the pain of teething or earaches. Grinding teeth for any of these reasons is part of normal development and not a cause for concern. Generally, grinding teeth in babies, no matter how grating it sounds, will not lead to any permanent damage. If your baby is a chronic teeth grinder and does not outgrow the phase by his or her first dentist visit, the dentist can check for any unlikely signs of damage.
Babies and children are more likely to grind their teeth if one of their parents grinds their teeth or if the problem runs in the family. Babies are also more likely to grind their teeth if they drool a lot or talk in their sleep. Again, these habits are not a cause for concern. Grinding teeth is a phase babies eventually outgrow and it is better not to try and correct the behavior. Even babies who grow into toddlers who grind their teeth eventually stop. As children reach the age of 4 and 5 and their permanent teeth are developing, the root and nerve structure in the gums is also changing. This leads to teeth becoming more sensitive and children usually stop grinding their teeth on their own.
One other possible cause of grinding teeth in babies is a pinworm infection. Pinworms are small parasites that commonly pass from person with no serious symptoms. The main symptom of pinworm infection is itching around the anus and rectum, particularly at night. If your baby is squirmy or trying to scratch or rub the affected area there may be a pinworm infection. You may be able to see adult pinworms when you change your baby’s diaper. They look like short white threads. If you suspect pinworms, you can do a scotch tape test to check. You take a few pieces of scotch tape and press around the anal opening with the sticky side. The tape can then be examined under a microscope at the doctor’s office for the presence of pinworm eggs. Pinworm infections are quite common, particularly in daycare and school settings. So any baby who has contact with other infants or children or who has siblings in school or daycare may be exposed to pinworms.
Although hearing your baby grind his or her teeth may affect you like fingernails on a blackboard, in most cases it is not a cause for concern. They are not doing any lasting damage and will eventually outgrow the habit. Unless you have reason to suspect a pinworm infection and need to seek a doctor’s care, it is best to ignore a grinding teeth habit and let a child outgrow it naturally.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruxism
http://www.babycenter.com/0_teeth-grinding-bruxism_1524446.bc
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/pinworms/article_em.htm
