Daytime Tooth Grinding
Content reviewed against published AAPD, AAP, NIH guidelines
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If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect daytime tooth grinding, here is what the evidence says.
The short answer
Daytime tooth grinding (awake bruxism) is common in babies and toddlers and is usually a way of exploring new teeth, self-soothing, or expressing concentration or frustration. Unlike nighttime grinding, daytime grinding is often a conscious or semi-conscious habit. Most children outgrow it naturally. It rarely causes tooth damage in young children, and intervention is typically not needed unless it persists past age 5 or causes dental problems.
Key takeaways
- Daytime tooth grinding (awake bruxism) is common in babies and toddlers and is usually a way of exploring new teeth, self-soothing, or expressing concentration or frustration. Unlike nighttime grinding, daytime grinding is often a conscious or semi-conscious habit. Most children outgrow it naturally. It rarely causes tooth damage in young children, and intervention is typically not needed unless it persists past age 5 or causes dental problems.
- Usually normal when: Your baby grinds their teeth occasionally while playing or exploring
- Call your doctor if: Grinding is accompanied by jaw locking, inability to open the mouth, or severe pain that interferes with eating
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Tooth grinding is not possible at this age since teeth have not yet erupted. Babies may rub their gums together, which can produce a clicking sound, but this is a normal exploratory behavior.
3-6 months
As the first teeth begin to erupt, some babies start grinding them almost immediately. This is a natural way of exploring the new sensations in their mouth. The grinding may coincide with teething discomfort and serves as a form of self-soothing.
6-12 months
Daytime grinding becomes more common as more teeth appear. Babies often grind when they are concentrating, exploring their mouth, or experiencing teething. The sound can be unpleasant, but the behavior is developmental and does not typically cause damage to baby teeth, which have thick enamel relative to their size.
12 months+
Toddlers may grind their teeth during the day when frustrated, anxious, or concentrating. As language and coping skills develop, daytime grinding often decreases. If your toddler grinds frequently and you notice wear on their teeth, mention it at the next dental visit. Stress-related grinding in older toddlers may benefit from addressing the underlying stressor.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby grinds their teeth occasionally while playing or exploring
- The grinding happens in phases and is not constant throughout the day
- Your child does not complain of jaw pain and eats normally
- Your dentist sees no significant wear or damage on the teeth
- Daytime grinding is very frequent and seems compulsive rather than occasional
- Your child complains of jaw soreness, headaches, or ear pain
- You notice visible wear patterns or flattening on the biting surfaces of the teeth
- Grinding is accompanied by jaw locking, inability to open the mouth, or severe pain that interferes with eating
- Your child suddenly starts grinding teeth along with other new repetitive behaviors, facial asymmetry, or signs of a neurological change
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Daytime Tooth Grinding.
Things to mention
- Daytime grinding is very frequent and seems compulsive rather than occasional
- Your child complains of jaw soreness, headaches, or ear pain
- You notice visible wear patterns or flattening on the biting surfaces of the teeth
Observations to share
- Daytime grinding is very frequent and seems compulsive rather than occasional
- Your child complains of jaw soreness, headaches, or ear pain
- You notice visible wear patterns or flattening on the biting surfaces of the teeth
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Grinding is accompanied by jaw locking, inability to open the mouth, or severe pain that interferes with eating
- Your child suddenly starts grinding teeth along with other new repetitive behaviors, facial asymmetry, or signs of a neurological change
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is daytime tooth grinding normal?
When should I call the doctor about daytime tooth grinding?
When is daytime tooth grinding normal?
What causes daytime tooth grinding?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about daytime tooth grinding?
Is daytime tooth grinding normal at 0-3 months?
Is daytime tooth grinding normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for daytime tooth grinding?
Does daytime tooth grinding go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Policy on Bruxism in Children. AAPD
- [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism). HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [3]National Library of Medicine. Awake bruxism in children and adolescents: a systematic review. Sleep Medicine Reviews. 2022;64:101659. NIH
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
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Bottom line
Most cases of daytime tooth grinding are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if grinding is accompanied by jaw locking, inability to open the mouth, or severe pain that interferes with eating.
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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