My Baby Grinds Their Teeth
Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAPD, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Behavioral development varies greatly from child to child. If you have noticed grinds their teeth, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is surprisingly common in babies and toddlers, affecting up to 30% of young children. Most children grind their teeth as they explore their new teeth or self-soothe, and the vast majority outgrow it completely by age 6 with no lasting damage to their teeth.
Key takeaways
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) is surprisingly common in babies and toddlers, affecting up to 30% of young children. Most children grind their teeth as they explore their new teeth or self-soothe, and the vast majority outgrow it completely by age 6 with no lasting damage to their teeth.
- Usually normal when: Your child grinds their teeth occasionally, especially when teething, concentrating, or falling asleep
- Call your doctor if: Your child is in clear pain when chewing or opening their mouth
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, AAPD, NIH guidelines, teeth grinding (bruxism) is surprisingly common in babies and toddlers, affecting up to 30% of young children. Most children grind their teeth as they explore their new teeth or self-soothe, and the vast majority outgrow it completely by age 6 with no lasting damage to their teeth. At 6-12 months, babies may begin grinding their teeth (or gums) as soon as their first teeth come in, often as a way to explore the new sensations in their mouth. It can also happen during teething as a form of self-soothing. The grinding might occur while awake or asleep and often sounds alarming, but baby teeth are designed to withstand this and rarely experience damage. It is generally considered normal when your child grinds their teeth occasionally, especially when teething, concentrating, or falling asleep. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child is in clear pain when chewing or opening their mouth.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
6-12 months
Babies may begin grinding their teeth (or gums) as soon as their first teeth come in, often as a way to explore the new sensations in their mouth. It can also happen during teething as a form of self-soothing. The grinding might occur while awake or asleep and often sounds alarming, but baby teeth are designed to withstand this and rarely experience damage.
12-24 months
Teeth grinding often peaks during this stage as more teeth come in and your toddler experiments with how they fit together. Your child might grind while concentrating, falling asleep, or when frustrated. This is typically a developmental phase. The grinding may be louder and more noticeable than it was when they had fewer teeth, but it remains harmless in most cases.
2-3 years
Many toddlers continue grinding their teeth, especially at night, as a self-soothing behavior or response to stress (like a new sibling or starting daycare). Daytime grinding may start to decrease as language skills improve and they find other ways to manage emotions. Unless your child complains of jaw pain or headaches, treatment is rarely needed.
3-6 years
Most children naturally outgrow teeth grinding by age 6, especially once their permanent teeth begin to come in. If grinding persists, is very loud, or your child is experiencing jaw pain or worn teeth, your dentist may recommend a nightguard. However, nightguards are rarely used in children under 5 because they can be a choking hazard.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed grinds their teeth and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if the grinding is so loud or frequent that it disrupts your child's sleep or yours.
- Mention if your child complains of jaw pain, headaches, or tooth sensitivity.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your child grinds their teeth occasionally, especially when teething, concentrating, or falling asleep
- The grinding happens in phases - more intense for a few weeks, then disappears for a while
- Your child has no pain, no complaints of jaw soreness, and eats normally
- You notice the grinding but your dentist sees no significant wear on the teeth
- Your child is between 6 months and 6 years old
- The grinding is so loud or frequent that it disrupts your child's sleep or yours
- Your child complains of jaw pain, headaches, or tooth sensitivity
- Your dentist notices significant wear on your child's teeth
- Grinding continues past age 6 or intensifies rather than decreases over time
- Your child is in clear pain when chewing or opening their mouth
- You notice a sudden change in how your child's teeth fit together or in their bite
- Grinding is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like disrupted sleep, night terrors, or behavioral changes that could indicate a sleep disorder
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice grinds their teeth — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your child grinds their teeth occasionally, especially when teething, concentrating, or falling asleep — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 6-12 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Respond consistently and calmly to your baby's behavior. Maintain predictable daily routines.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child is in clear pain when chewing or opening their mouth.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is grinds their teeth normal?
When should I call the doctor about grinds their teeth?
When is grinds their teeth normal?
What causes grinds their teeth?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about grinds their teeth?
Is grinds their teeth normal at 6-12 months?
Is grinds their teeth normal at 12-24 months?
Should I go to the ER for grinds their teeth?
Does grinds their teeth go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Grinds Their Teeth.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed grinds their teeth and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if the grinding is so loud or frequent that it disrupts your child's sleep or yours.
- Mention if your child complains of jaw pain, headaches, or tooth sensitivity.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- The grinding is so loud or frequent that it disrupts your child's sleep or yours
- Your child complains of jaw pain, headaches, or tooth sensitivity
- Your dentist notices significant wear on your child's teeth
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child is in clear pain when chewing or opening their mouth
- You notice a sudden change in how your child's teeth fit together or in their bite
- Grinding is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like disrupted sleep, night terrors, or behavioral changes that could indicate a sleep disorder
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of grinds their teeth are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child is in clear pain when chewing or opening their mouth.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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