Teeth Grinding - Bakersfield,CA

My son who is 2 1/2 started to do this about 2 months ago. I am getting him into the dentist because of the possible damage it can cause. I wish I had more information, but I will write more after the dentist sees him soon. I know the grinding can cause jaw and teeth issues, it can cause the teeth to break - at least that is what I was told.

My daughter definitely did this too...and we didn't know what to do about it, but talked to a dentist who told us not to worry too much about it. He said that her other teeth were coming in and she was trying to help grind them through, but the other ones were just in the way. He was right, as soon as she got the rest of her teeth, the grinding stopped. She has perfect teeth now.

My son started to grind his teeth at 3. I think it may have had to do with something back teeth coming in. Every time he ground his teeth I would have him stick his tongue out. He did eventually stop, but I'm not sure why. Seeing a dentist is probably a good idea. Teeth grinding is not only bad for the teeth, but it's irritating as well! :)

All my four children did this. I was told not to be concerned because it helped settle and place the teeth or something like that. It's a good idea to have a dentist check any way. Baby teeth need check up's too, so you may as well.

It's bad if it's excessive over and extended period of time. I've read a lot about how it's a normal stage, but if it continues, you might consult a dentist. My husband has ground his teeth down and wears a night retainer because of his continued habit, but he's done it for YEARS!

Hi T., I say yes I would call a dentist just to make sure your son is not causing any damage. I would maybe find a dentist that deals with children, because they are in that field and it might make you feel alittle more at ease with them good luck~L.~

Both my 3 1/2 yr old boy and my 1 1/2 yr old girl did and does this. My boy used to do it and hasn't done it for a while and my girl is doing this now. I asked my pediatrician and she said that sometimes it just feels good to them when they have just gotten their teeth in. She said not to worry and no need to bring attention to it. She was right about my boy who doesn't do this and I'll see how long my girl continues. I heard this somewhere before, but while awake it is difficult to grind your teeth really hard consciously. The kind of grinding (like my husband, who forgets to use his mouth guard) that is done during sleep is apparently at a very great force. Anyway, I took my boy to a pediatric dentist at 2 1/2 just to check and she said that his teeth looked fine, did a thorough teeth cleaning and instructed me on which areas I had been missing in brushing his teeth. There was no damage. I'm not sure if Jakub is patient enough to go to the dentist but if you feel really concerned, take him to a dentist that has a pediatric specialty rather than a regular dentist. The pediatric dentist have a way with small children. J.

My daughter went through that at about the same age and boy do I hate the sound of grinding teeth! (Makes the hair on the back of my neck stand on end!) I jist told her that is was not good for her teeth and asked her to stop. Well we all know that they dont really listen at that age but I think I planted a seed or something because she did eventually stop. Oh and I gave he snacks when she did not stop and I could not stand the sound to give her something else to do with her mouth just a couple of crackers and we where good for a few hours of quiet... Well from the teeth aspect anyway. Good luck!
A.

Hi. My son did it as well, and it really bothered me. He started at about 2 and did it until kindergarten. I tried to discourage it by telling him it would hurt his teeth. He tried (it was never turned in to a power struggle issue.) But he even did it in his sleep. Our dentist said a lot of little ones do it, but when their baby teeth come out and new ones grow in (usually kindergarten age) they simply stop. It feels funny to them. And sure enough, the wobbly teeth were no fun to grind and the new ones were too bumpy.
I'd ask your dentist to be sure, his case may be different. We also did get hot and cold sensitivity because the nerves were closer to the surface from all the grinding.

I just thought you'd like to know that it's not too uncommon, and not worth fighting with him about. Go see your dentist :).

B.

Ah yes the teeth grinding! Both of my kids did that and I promise you it's just a phase. Especially if you don't pay any attention to it! It might be a month or 3 months, but he'll stop! Hang in there!

Hi T.,

Grinding can be a huge thing down the road. I've done it all my life (and I'm 48) and I've actually lost some of my hearing due to the grinding! My dentist explained it all to me and it's complicated, so I would look it up on the web or talk to his dentist. They can make him a special night guard that puts plastic between his teeth, so he can still grind but it doesn't hurt the teeth. I've only found this to be a problem because now I clench my teeth so hard that I wake up with a sore jaw. I would definately look into it.

V.

Hi! My daughter did the same thing when she first started getting teeth, and still does as she gets molars, etc. Have you seen Shrek II? When Shrek, Fiona and Donkey are riding in the carriage and Donkey is making that annoying "POP" noise with his mouth? I was told that every time my daughter ground her teeth that I should make that sound to her, and eventually (hopefully), she'd start to imitate that sound as opposed to the grinding. I guess grinding starts out as a way to relieve the pain of teething, but possibly becomes a habit after awhile. The "POP" noise may become his new habit! My daughter didn't grind for too long, so the "POP" didn't work for us, but it may for you! Good luck!!

when my son was around the same age he started grinding too, but when i took him to his denist he wasnt worried too much he said it was the childs way of dealing with a lil bit of stress (like with my son it was prob due to us making him sleep in his own bed ) and that it is normal. so i wouldnt worrie to much.

Yes, take him to the dentist. My son didn't grind his teeth but he would "crack" his jaw (make a loud popping noise like cracking your fingers). The dentist gave us some pointers and some advise that worked for us (I won't discuss it here because it will not be relevent to grinding). I used to grind my teeth when I was younger and had a night guard; although, I think your son is too young (choking hazard?). Check with a dentist though, they are great for this type of thing and it's never too early to get them used to seeing the dentist.

My son is 5yr old and he grinds his teeth in his sleep. His father does as well and has to wear a safeguard in his mouth. But when I took my son to the dentist he said that there was nothing they could do right now because of his age. And that most of the time they grow out of it. You could talk to your dentist and see what they say.

My daughter grinded her teeth about the same age as your son. I stated to get worried but then she stoped. I think it might be something new they can do with their teeth. I wouldn't worry about it now. But if it continues for about another month i would call his doctor.

I myself grind and found my daughter doing the same.
When I talked to the dentist about it, this is a little of what he said.
With children it can be caused by enlarged tonsils, or there mouth is a little to narrow for their teeth/tounge ect... if it only happens every so often it might be due to a cold. All 3 seem a little odd but he explained the cause and effect of each. and if it is tonsils or narrow mouth they usually need to be fixed.
Hope this helps. Good luck!

I'm a seasoned mom of three boys (10,10,6) - According to our pediatric dentists (they see partners and I asked both), grinding when teeth are new is normal and often comes back when they start losing their baby teeth as well. It has for all three of mine. The twins used to wake me from their room because the sound just GOT to me! My six-year-old doesn't grind nearly as much. According to our dentists, guards are for folks who are grinding due to tension, which is usually NOT the case with young kids. It's probably a natural physiological issue at your son's age - but definitely see a dentist to make sure he's not grinding hard enough to loosen or wear down his delicate baby teeth.