Q. Lately I\u2019ve noticed my 3 year old grinds his teeth. He grinds mostly when he\u2019s asleep, but sometimes while he\u2019s awake too. He doesn\u2019t seem to be bothered, but the sound of his teeth crunching goes right through me! Is this a habit I should try to break or get help for? What kind of damage can it cause?<\/p>\n
A. I know it\u2019s troublesome for parents to hear, but some teeth grinding in toddlers is normal. This is a habit that usually starts at about 3 \u00bd and goes through age 6. Experts aren\u2019t exactly sure why toddlers grind their teeth. Many things from anxiety to pain from earaches and teething, and even malocclusion of teeth are said to be a possible contributing factor. However disconcerting, your child will likely outgrow it. \u00a0Sometimes incorporating an extra soothing bedtime routine or administering a dose of Tylenol if you know they are teething can help eliminate some issues that may be contributing. Make sure you have your child checked though if he or she are complaining of face or jaw pain. Whatever the cause, it\u2019s likely not doing any damage to their teeth. A vast majority of kids just stop on their own, so as quickly as you noticed it, it can be gone!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Q. Lately I\u2019ve noticed my 3 year old grinds his teeth. He grinds mostly when he\u2019s asleep, but sometimes while he\u2019s awake too. He doesn\u2019t seem to be bothered, but the sound of his teeth crunching goes right through me! Is this a habit I should try to break or get help for? What kind … Continue reading Teeth Grinding in Children<\/span>