What parents should know
If you’ve heard your baby grinding their teeth at night, you’re not alone. Many parents notice this sound during their child’s first months of teething and wonder whether it’s normal — or something to worry about.
The good news? Bruxism in infants is fairly common and often harmless. Still, it’s worth understanding what’s going on, when to monitor it, and when to ask your dentist for advice.
At Aesthetique Dental Care, we often reassure parents who bring this up during their child’s routine visits. This guide explains what infant bruxism means, why it happens, and how to protect your little one’s developing smile.
What is bruxism in infants?
Bruxism in infants refers to teeth grinding or jaw clenching that happens when babies are awake or asleep. It can begin as soon as their first teeth erupt — often around 6 to 10 months — and may continue on and off into early childhood.
When you listen closely, you might hear:
- A clicking or scraping sound at night
- Tiny movements of the jaw
- Light tapping or gnashing noises during play or naps
Unlike in adults, where tooth grinding can cause significant wear, infant bruxism is usually mild and temporary. Still, it’s useful to know the potential causes and signs that suggest you should mention it during your child’s next check-up.
Why does bruxism happen in infants?
Dentists and researchers believe bruxism in infants has several possible triggers. Most are related to normal growth and early development.
Here are the most common reasons:
| Possible cause | What happens | Typical age range |
|---|---|---|
| Teething discomfort | Babies grind to soothe gum pressure. | 6–18 months |
| Exploring new sensations | Early tooth contact feels new — they experiment with it. | 6–24 months |
| Ear or jaw pressure | Grinding relieves pressure from mild ear discomfort. | 6–36 months |
| Developing bite alignment | Jaw muscles adjust as new teeth erupt. | 6 months–3 years |
| Stress or sleep transitions | Overstimulation or tiredness may trigger grinding at night. | From 1 year onwards |
At Aesthetique Dental Care, our dentists see this pattern frequently during a baby’s teething phase. It’s a sign their muscles and teeth are adapting — a part of normal development.
If, however, grinding persists beyond early toddler years or becomes more intense, it’s worth seeking professional advice.
Signs of infant bruxism to watch for
While many cases of bruxism in infants go unnoticed, attentive parents may spot a few subtle clues:
- Grinding or clenching sounds during sleep
- Flattened or worn edges on baby teeth
- Redness around the gums
- Mild jaw tension or cheek-biting
- Fussiness during teething
- Sleep disruption
Occasionally, persistent grinding can lead to tooth wear or irritated gums. You can learn more about managing early tooth wear and bruxism on our dedicated page: Tooth wear and bruxism treatment.
Is bruxism in infants dangerous?
In most cases, infant bruxism is nothing to worry about. It usually stops once teeth and bite alignment stabilise — often by age three.
However, if your child’s grinding is frequent, loud, or causing damage, your dentist may want to investigate further. Continuous pressure from grinding could occasionally:
- Wear down enamel prematurely
- Irritate gum tissue
- Cause mild jaw stiffness
- Disrupt sleep
The NHS notes that teeth grinding in children tends to improve as they grow and doesn’t usually require treatment unless symptoms are severe.
If you’re unsure whether your child’s bruxism is normal or concerning, a routine dental check-up is the best place to start.
How dentists diagnose bruxism in infants
When you mention tooth grinding at your baby’s appointment, your dentist will:
- Examine the teeth for wear or flattening.
- Check the gums and jaw for tenderness.
- Review medical and teething history.
- Discuss feeding and sleep patterns.
In most cases, reassurance and monitoring are enough. If there’s significant tooth wear, your dentist might suggest returning sooner or, rarely, referring you for specialist assessment.
At Aesthetique Dental Care, we keep careful digital records and photos of developing teeth — making it easier to spot subtle changes over time.
Practical ways to help with infant bruxism at home
If your baby grinds their teeth, there are gentle things you can do to make them more comfortable.
1. Ease teething discomfort
Use a chilled (not frozen) teething ring or a clean, cold cloth to massage the gums. This can reduce the urge to grind.
2. Encourage relaxation before bed
Create a calm bedtime routine — a warm bath, story, and quiet play help reduce overstimulation that may trigger grinding.
3. Avoid unnecessary teething gels
Some over-the-counter gels aren’t recommended for very young children. Always follow your dentist’s or pharmacist’s advice.
4. Monitor feeding habits
Extended bottle use or dummy sucking can affect bite development. Begin weaning from bottles by 12–18 months when possible.
5. Keep up regular dental visits
Routine checks allow early detection of any wear or bite issues. Book your child’s first check-up soon after their first tooth appears or by age one.
How dentists manage persistent bruxism in infants
Treatment for infant bruxism depends on its cause and severity. Most cases resolve naturally, but in certain situations, we may recommend:
| Approach | When used | What it involves |
|---|---|---|
| Observation & reassurance | Most mild cases | Monitor at regular visits. |
| Gentle bite checks | If grinding persists past age three | Track jaw growth and alignment. |
| Behavioural advice | For anxious or overtired toddlers | Calming bedtime habits and comfort techniques. |
| Protective options | Rarely, for older children | Custom mouthguards may protect enamel if grinding continues. |
Every plan is tailored — no two babies’ needs are exactly alike. Our team at Aesthetique Dental Care focuses on prevention and reassurance, keeping care as non-invasive as possible.
Why parents trust Aesthetique Dental Care
- Our clinicians have decades of experience in children’s and family dentistry, regularly supporting families through early teething, tooth wear, and bite development.
- We use the latest diagnostic tools and preventive strategies for managing bruxism in infants and older children.
- Our guidance is aligned with the latest research and NHS advice, and our bruxism treatment page includes in-depth resources for parents.
- Every discussion is handled with empathy and clarity. We explain what’s normal and what’s not — never recommending unnecessary treatment.
When to see a dentist about infant bruxism
Book a review if you notice:
- Grinding that’s loud or persistent
- Teeth that look flat or chipped
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Jaw clicking or soreness
- Sleep problems linked to grinding
You can request a family-friendly appointment via our routine care page or visit our main site at Aesthetique Dental Care.
If you’re not sure whether it’s urgent, it’s always best to ask — our reception team can guide you.
Final thoughts
Hearing your baby grind their teeth can be unsettling, but in most cases, it’s a harmless phase that passes with time. Infant bruxism is often just part of growing up — an early sign your child’s teeth and jaw are finding their rhythm.
Still, it’s always wise to mention it during your child’s next check-up at Aesthetique Dental Care. Our friendly team will assess their teeth gently, explain what’s normal, and give you peace of mind.
If you’d like to learn more about bruxism in infants or how we manage tooth wear in both children and adults, explore our dedicated bruxism treatment page.
Your baby’s smile is in safe hands — and with regular care and reassurance, it’ll stay that way.
What parents often ask about infant bruxism
Is bruxism in infants normal?
Yes, mild tooth grinding is common when baby teeth erupt. It’s usually temporary and not harmful.
When should I worry about my baby grinding their teeth?
If grinding is loud, persistent, or causing visible wear, book a check-up. Your dentist can assess if it’s purely developmental or if intervention is needed.
Does bruxism in infants damage their teeth?
Occasionally, prolonged grinding can wear enamel or irritate gums, but this is rare. Regular dental monitoring helps prevent long-term issues.
Can teething cause bruxism?
Yes, teething is one of the most common causes. Babies grind to ease gum pressure and explore new sensations in their mouths.
When does infant bruxism stop?
Most children stop grinding once their full set of baby teeth has erupted — usually by age three. If it continues beyond that, ask your dentist for advice.
