Advice On Babies Who Grind Their Teeth

by mlc469

posted on 11/03/2009

As a parent you may find that horrible grinding sound nerve-wracking and may be worried about damage, but in almost all cases babies who grind their teeth are not doing and damage. Teeth grinding an babies is generally a part of natural development and you not attempts to correct the behavior.

Some experts believe that babies who grind their as a way to get used to new teeth. This would seem to be supported by the fact that the habit is most common for babies during the teething phase. Babies may also grind their teeth due to a painful earache or because of a stuffy nose from colds or allergies. Babies who grind their teeth for these reasons will almost always eventually outgrow the habit in their own time.

Since the structure of baby teeth and gums differs from adults there teeth are not as sensitive. What sounds like harsh painful grinding to parents may fell like no more than gentle rubbing to your baby. Some babies may be grinding their because they find the sound and sensation soothing. If your baby is still grinding his or her teeth by the time you make the first dental appointment the dentist can check for any signs of damage, but it is extremely rare to find any. And any slight damage will likely have no impact since baby teeth are not permanent.

Babies who drool a lot or talk in their sleep are more likely to grind their teeth. Teeth grinding can also run in families so if a parent grinds their teeth a baby may be more likely to develop the habit. Even if your child continues to grind his or her teeth after the teething, it will likely stop at around age four or five. The structure of the gums begins to change to get ready for permanent teeth. Roots and nerves become more sensitive and grow and the grinding becomes unpleasant for children.

Teeth grinding is babies can also be a sign of a pinworm infection. Pinworms are an easily transmittable parasitic infection that is common in school and daycare environments. The main symptom is itching of the anus and rectum. If you suspect your child has a pinworm infection you should be able to see the adult pinworms that look small yellow-white threads when you change a diaper. If you suspect a pinworm infection, a doctor can make the diagnosis with an easy scotchtape test to detect any pinworm eggs around the anal opening. The condition is easily treatable and causes no serious symptoms.

Teeth grinding in babies is usually for simple reasons like teething, earaches, or stuffy noses. Children frequently outgrow the habit on their and it is better not to try and change the behavior. Unless you suspect a pinworm infection, babies grinding their teeth should not be a cause for concern and parents don't need to worry about permanent damage to the teeth.

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