Toddler Grinding Teeth While Awake and Asleep
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about toddler grinding teeth while awake and asleep, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is very common in babies and toddlers - studies suggest 15-33% of children grind their teeth. Babies often grind their teeth when new teeth come in because the sensation is novel and they are experimenting with their bite. Most children outgrow grinding by age 6 when their permanent teeth start coming in. Grinding is usually harmless and does not require treatment unless it is causing tooth damage, jaw pain, headaches, or significantly disrupting sleep.
Key takeaways
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) is very common in babies and toddlers - studies suggest 15-33% of children grind their teeth. Babies often grind their teeth when new teeth come in because the sensation is novel and they are experimenting with their bite. Most children outgrow grinding by age 6 when their permanent teeth start coming in. Grinding is usually harmless and does not require treatment unless it is causing tooth damage, jaw pain, headaches, or significantly disrupting sleep.
- Usually normal when: Your baby grinds their teeth occasionally when new teeth are coming in
- Call your doctor if: A tooth has cracked or broken from grinding
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Supervised tummy time is recommended daily from the time the baby comes home from the hospital to help prevent flat head syndrome and to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.”
This is one of the most common questions parents ask. Searching for answers means you care.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, teeth grinding (bruxism) is very common in babies and toddlers - studies suggest 15-33% of children grind their teeth. Babies often grind their teeth when new teeth come in because the sensation is novel and they are experimenting with their bite. Most children outgrow grinding by age 6 when their permanent teeth start coming in. Grinding is usually harmless and does not require treatment unless it is causing tooth damage, jaw pain, headaches, or significantly disrupting sleep. At 6-12 months, as the first teeth emerge, many babies discover they can rub their top and bottom teeth together and are fascinated by the feeling and sound. This is sensory exploration - similar to how they explore other new body parts. The grinding may sound terrible but is not harmful to baby teeth at this stage. Offering teething toys gives them something else to chew on. Do not try to stop the grinding by putting your finger in their mouth - this can reinforce the behavior and is a choking risk. It is generally considered normal when your baby grinds their teeth occasionally when new teeth are coming in. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if a tooth has cracked or broken from grinding.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
6-12 months
As the first teeth emerge, many babies discover they can rub their top and bottom teeth together and are fascinated by the feeling and sound. This is sensory exploration - similar to how they explore other new body parts. The grinding may sound terrible but is not harmful to baby teeth at this stage. Offering teething toys gives them something else to chew on. Do not try to stop the grinding by putting your finger in their mouth - this can reinforce the behavior and is a choking risk.
12-24 months
Teeth grinding often continues as more teeth erupt and the bite is changing. Many toddlers grind during sleep without being aware of it. Daytime grinding is often a self-soothing behavior or response to stress, discomfort, or boredom. Some toddlers grind when they are concentrating. The sound can be alarming, but the soft enamel of baby teeth is designed to handle some wear. If you notice flat spots or chips on the teeth, mention it to your dentist at the first dental visit (recommended by age 1).
2-3 years
Grinding may persist or intensify during stressful periods (new sibling, daycare start, move). Night grinding that you can hear from another room is common and usually harmless. If your child complains of jaw pain in the morning or you notice significant tooth wear, your dentist can evaluate. Night guards are not typically used for children under 6 because the jaw and teeth are still growing and changing. Reducing stress before bed and ensuring your child is not overtired can help reduce nighttime grinding.
3-6 years
Most children naturally stop grinding as they get older and their permanent teeth begin to replace baby teeth. If grinding persists and is causing problems (significant tooth wear, jaw pain, morning headaches, disrupted sleep), your dentist may recommend evaluation. In rare cases, sleep-disordered breathing (enlarged tonsils or adenoids causing snoring and mouth breathing) can trigger teeth grinding. If your child grinds AND snores, mention both to your pediatrician.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed toddler grinding teeth while awake and asleep and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if grinding is happening frequently throughout the day and night.
- Mention if you notice visible wear, flattening, or chipping on your child's teeth.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby grinds their teeth occasionally when new teeth are coming in
- Grinding happens intermittently and does not seem to cause your child distress
- Your toddler grinds during sleep but sleeps well overall
- The teeth show minimal wear and your child does not complain of jaw pain
- Grinding is happening frequently throughout the day and night
- You notice visible wear, flattening, or chipping on your child's teeth
- Your child complains of jaw pain, ear pain, or headaches
- Grinding is accompanied by loud snoring and mouth breathing during sleep
- A tooth has cracked or broken from grinding
- Your child is in significant jaw pain
- Grinding is accompanied by other involuntary movements that seem like they could be seizure-related
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice toddler grinding teeth while awake and asleep — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby grinds their teeth occasionally when new teeth are coming in — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 6-12 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Provide plenty of supervised floor time and tummy time to support your baby's physical development.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if a tooth has cracked or broken from grinding.
Related Conditions
Toddler Obsessive or Repetitive Behaviors
Repetitive behaviors are a normal part of toddler development. Toddlers thrive on predictability and repetition because it helps them master new skills and understand their world. Lining up toys, wanting the same book read 20 times, insisting on the same routine, and repeating words or phrases are all typical toddler behaviors. These behaviors become concerning when they are so rigid that any disruption causes extreme distress, when they interfere with learning or social interaction, or when they are accompanied by other developmental red flags.
Baby Shaking Head Side to Side
Head shaking in babies is very common and is usually a normal self-soothing behavior or a sign of exploration and play. Many babies shake their head side to side when falling asleep, when excited, or when learning the concept of "no." Ear discomfort from teething or ear infections can also cause head shaking. While persistent or unusual head movements can occasionally indicate a neurological concern, in the vast majority of cases, a baby who is developing normally and shakes their head is simply exploring body movement.
Toddler Having Constant Meltdowns
Tantrums are a normal part of toddler development - most 2-3 year olds have at least one tantrum per day. Meltdowns happen because toddlers feel big emotions (frustration, disappointment, overwhelm) but their prefrontal cortex is far too immature to regulate those emotions. However, when tantrums happen many times per day, last more than 25 minutes, are violent (self-injury, destruction), or persist beyond age 4 without decreasing, it may indicate that your child needs additional support for emotional regulation.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is toddler grinding teeth while awake and asleep normal?
When should I call the doctor about toddler grinding teeth while awake and asleep?
When is toddler grinding teeth while awake and asleep normal?
What causes toddler grinding teeth while awake and asleep?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about toddler grinding teeth while awake and asleep?
Is toddler grinding teeth while awake and asleep normal at 6-12 months?
Is toddler grinding teeth while awake and asleep normal at 12-24 months?
Should I go to the ER for toddler grinding teeth while awake and asleep?
Does toddler grinding teeth while awake and asleep go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism). HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [2]Machado E, et al. Prevalence of Sleep Bruxism in Children: A Systematic Review. Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry. 2014. NIH
- [3]American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Bruxism. The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry. AAP
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Toddler Grinding Teeth While Awake and Asleep.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed toddler grinding teeth while awake and asleep and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if grinding is happening frequently throughout the day and night.
- Mention if you notice visible wear, flattening, or chipping on your child's teeth.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Grinding is happening frequently throughout the day and night
- You notice visible wear, flattening, or chipping on your child's teeth
- Your child complains of jaw pain, ear pain, or headaches
Urgent signs to report immediately
- A tooth has cracked or broken from grinding
- Your child is in significant jaw pain
- Grinding is accompanied by other involuntary movements that seem like they could be seizure-related
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 toddler grinding teeth while awake and asleep are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if a tooth has cracked or broken from grinding.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
Was this page helpful?
Related Physical Concerns
Toddler Obsessive or Repetitive Behaviors
Repetitive behaviors are a normal part of toddler development. Toddlers thrive on predictability and repetition because it helps them master new skills and understand their world. Lining up toys, wanting the same book read 20 times, insisting on the same routine, and repeating words or phrases are all typical toddler behaviors. These behaviors become concerning when they are so rigid that any disruption causes extreme distress, when they interfere with learning or social interaction, or when they are accompanied by other developmental red flags.
Baby Shaking Head Side to Side
Head shaking in babies is very common and is usually a normal self-soothing behavior or a sign of exploration and play. Many babies shake their head side to side when falling asleep, when excited, or when learning the concept of "no." Ear discomfort from teething or ear infections can also cause head shaking. While persistent or unusual head movements can occasionally indicate a neurological concern, in the vast majority of cases, a baby who is developing normally and shakes their head is simply exploring body movement.
Toddler Having Constant Meltdowns
Tantrums are a normal part of toddler development - most 2-3 year olds have at least one tantrum per day. Meltdowns happen because toddlers feel big emotions (frustration, disappointment, overwhelm) but their prefrontal cortex is far too immature to regulate those emotions. However, when tantrums happen many times per day, last more than 25 minutes, are violent (self-injury, destruction), or persist beyond age 4 without decreasing, it may indicate that your child needs additional support for emotional regulation.
Should I Use Adjusted Age for My Preemie's Milestones?
Yes — for premature babies, developmental milestones should be assessed using adjusted (corrected) age, not chronological age, until at least 2 years of age. Adjusted age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks your baby was born early from their actual age. For example, a 6-month-old born 2 months early would have an adjusted age of 4 months, and should be assessed against 4-month milestones. Most pediatricians use adjusted age for developmental assessment through age 2-3, and for growth charts through age 2.
Baby-Proofing a Small Apartment
Baby-proofing a small apartment is absolutely possible and focuses on the same key safety principles as any home: securing furniture to walls, covering outlets, locking cabinets with hazardous materials, and ensuring safe sleep spaces. Small spaces actually have an advantage - there is less area to monitor. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous hazards first: falls, poisoning, choking, and burns.
My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other
Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.