My Toddler Grinds Their Teeth and It's Causing Wear
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about my toddler grinds their teeth and it's causing wear, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is very common in children, affecting up to 30% of kids under age 5. Most children outgrow it. Mild grinding rarely causes lasting damage to baby teeth. However, if grinding is causing visible wear, pain, or sleep disruption, a pediatric dentist can evaluate and provide guidance.
Key takeaways
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) is very common in children, affecting up to 30% of kids under age 5. Most children outgrow it. Mild grinding rarely causes lasting damage to baby teeth. However, if grinding is causing visible wear, pain, or sleep disruption, a pediatric dentist can evaluate and provide guidance.
- Usually normal when: Occasional grinding, especially when new teeth come in.
- Call your doctor if: Teeth are cracking or breaking from grinding.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH, CDC guidelines, teeth grinding (bruxism) is very common in children, affecting up to 30% of kids under age 5. Most children outgrow it. Mild grinding rarely causes lasting damage to baby teeth. However, if grinding is causing visible wear, pain, or sleep disruption, a pediatric dentist can evaluate and provide guidance. At 6-12 months, some babies begin grinding when their first teeth appear. They are exploring the new sensation of teeth touching. This is typically a phase that resolves on its own. It is generally considered normal when occasional grinding, especially when new teeth come in. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if teeth are cracking or breaking from grinding.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
6-12 months
Some babies begin grinding when their first teeth appear. They are exploring the new sensation of teeth touching. This is typically a phase that resolves on its own.
12-24 months
Teeth grinding is common at this age, often during sleep. It may sound alarming but usually does not cause significant damage to baby teeth. If your toddler seems to grind frequently, mention it at your dental visit.
2-3 years
If grinding persists and is causing visible wear on teeth, jaw pain, or headaches, a pediatric dentist should evaluate. Causes may include stress, allergies, or jaw alignment issues. Night guards are rarely used in toddlers.
3-5 years
Most children reduce or stop grinding as they mature. If significant grinding continues, ongoing dental monitoring is important to track tooth wear. Since these are baby teeth, significant damage is less concerning than it would be for permanent teeth.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed my toddler grinds their teeth and it's causing wear and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if visible wear or flattening of teeth.
- Mention if your child complains of jaw pain or headaches.
- 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
- Occasional grinding, especially when new teeth come in.
- Grinding is intermittent and your child seems comfortable.
- Teeth show minimal or no visible wear.
- Grinding is decreasing over time.
- Visible wear or flattening of teeth.
- Your child complains of jaw pain or headaches.
- Grinding disrupts sleep significantly.
- Teeth are cracking or breaking from grinding.
- Severe jaw pain or locking.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice my toddler grinds their teeth and it's causing wear — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that occasional grinding, especially when new teeth come 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 teeth are cracking or breaking from grinding.
Related Conditions
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is my toddler grinds their teeth and it's causing wear normal?
When should I call the doctor about my toddler grinds their teeth and it's causing wear?
When is my toddler grinds their teeth and it's causing wear normal?
What causes my toddler grinds their teeth and it's causing wear?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about my toddler grinds their teeth and it's causing wear?
Is my toddler grinds their teeth and it's causing wear normal at 6-12 months?
Is my toddler grinds their teeth and it's causing wear normal at 12-24 months?
Should I go to the ER for my toddler grinds their teeth and it's causing wear?
Does my toddler grinds their teeth and it's causing wear go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Toddler Grinds Their Teeth and It's Causing Wear.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed my toddler grinds their teeth and it's causing wear and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if visible wear or flattening of teeth.
- Mention if your child complains of jaw pain or headaches.
- 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
- Visible wear or flattening of teeth.
- Your child complains of jaw pain or headaches.
- Grinding disrupts sleep significantly.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Teeth are cracking or breaking from grinding.
- Severe jaw pain or locking.
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 my toddler grinds their teeth and it's causing wear are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if teeth are cracking or breaking 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.
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