Baby Grinding Teeth and Sleep Bruxism: Tips to Quiet the Night

No, you’re not imagining that cringe-worthy, nails-on-a-chalkboard sound coming from your sweet little cherub. Baby teeth grinding (AKA bruxism in babies) is a real thing, and it can sound intense enough to make you wonder if your little one is auditioning for a horror movie soundtrack.

If you’ve caught your baby grinding new teeth or you keep thinking, “Why is my baby grinding his teeth?” you’re in the right place. Let’s dig in to everything you need to know about baby teeth grinding, from the hows and whys to what you can actually do about it.

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Can babies have bruxism?

Absolutely — bruxism is simply the fancy medical term for “teeth grinding.” Bruxism in babies can happen while they’re awake or asleep (a.k.a. sleep bruxism).

During the day, you might catch your little one mindlessly gnashing those teeth like they’re chewing some imaginary gum. At night, you might hear that telltale squeak or grinding noise over the baby monitor.

In fact, according to a 2019 study, about 20% of preschool-age kids might be nightly teeth-grinders. Even though preschoolers are a bit older than your baby, it still highlights that teeth grinding in kids is fairly common. [1]

Is it normal for a baby to grind their teeth?

Short answer: Often, yes! Babies are famous for doing weird stuff that makes us scratch our heads.

Spitting up five seconds after a fresh outfit? Check.

Trying to eat shoes? Check.

And occasionally, grinding those brand-new pearly whites? Also check.

Many parents first notice baby grinding new teeth around 6 to 9 months, when those first few chompers decide to make a grand entrance. Your baby’s teeny mouth and jaw muscles are getting used to a novel sensation — having teeth — so some experimental grinding is often part of that learning curve.

As far as infant oral health goes, bruxism (teeth grinding) is one of the more common habits, so yes, it’s pretty normal. [2]

What age does sleep bruxism start?

You’d think your baby would need a set of teeth before the grinding show begins, and generally, that’s the case — no teeth, no grind. Most babies start cutting teeth anywhere from 4 to 7 months old (sometimes even as early as 3 months — or they could be born with teeth), so your baby grinding their teeth usually follows shortly after.

Some parents report noticing it as soon as the top and bottom teeth make contact around 6 to 9 months, while others might not hear the gnashing until closer to a year. From there, it may come and go.

Some babies grind their teeth for a few weeks and then stop. Others might go through phases — like whenever a new tooth erupts, your baby might get on a grinding spree just to test those new weapons out.

Why do babies grind their teeth?

Typically, a bit of baby grinding teeth is just that: a habit. Kind of like random babbling, pulling hair, or that sudden sleep regression.

But there are a few reasons why your baby might be gnashing those pearly whites, but it’s always worth checking in with your pediatrician before jumping to any conclusions. But you can always bring up these potential reasons to your baby’s doctor, to kick-start the conversation to a solution:

• Experimentation: Babies discover new skills and senses every day. Grinding might just be a new “trick” they’re testing out.
• Teething discomfort: Babies don’t have a ton of ways to relieve gum irritation. Sometimes that jaw clenching or teeth grinding is just your baby’s version of an at-home gum massage.
• Stress or irritability: Yes, even babies can get stressed! A new environment, illness, or big changes like traveling or moving might spark a grinding phase.
• Natural reflex: Some babies just do it reflexively, especially when they’re drifting off to dreamland.
• Developmental or medical connections: In some cases, bruxism might be associated with certain conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or ADHD — but there’s a lot more to that story, so we’ll dig deeper.

Is grinding teeth linked to autism?

Possibly, yes — according to a 2020 study, bruxism can be more common in children on the autism spectrum. It’s not a definite must-have symptom, but research does point to a higher frequency of teeth grinding among kids with autism. [3]

If your child has an autism diagnosis or is being evaluated, it’s worth mentioning to your pediatrician or dentist if you notice them grinding their teeth consistently. It doesn’t automatically mean it’s serious, but it’s always worth looking into, just in case.

Is teeth grinding a symptom of ADHD?

While the research on ADHD and bruxism in babies is still evolving, there is some evidence to suggest that older children with ADHD may have a slightly higher tendency to grind their teeth. [4]

Just as with the link between autism and teeth grinding, correlation doesn’t equal causation — your baby may just grind their teeth for fun. But it’s another factor to keep in mind if your child has or might develop ADHD.

What deficiency causes teeth grinding?

Some parents (and a few internet rumors) point the finger at nutrient deficiencies — particularly magnesium or calcium — as being a root cause of teeth grinding. Does a deficiency in these minerals sometimes correlate with bruxism? Sure, it can happen.

An older study found that kids with vitamin and mineral deficiencies could show a higher tendency to grind their teeth at night. But it’s more common to see nutritional deficiencies show up in other ways (like poor growth or certain health issues) before bruxism becomes a glaring sign. [5]

If you’re worried, talk to your pediatrician. They may suggest a blood test, supplements, or simply a dietary tweak — like upping leafy greens, beans, whole grains, or dairy in your baby’s meals — to see if that eases the grinding habit. But it’s always worth talking to a medical professional before using any sort of supplement, especially when it comes to your kids — it’s easy to over-do it on the vitamins and minerals.

Can dehydration cause teeth grinding?

Some people think that dehydration might make bruxism worse, but it’s worth noting that it doesn’t necessarily outright cause it. Think of it this way: when the body’s low on fluids, stress hormones can go haywire, and sometimes muscle tension shows up in the form of teeth grinding.

For babies, dehydration is obviously something you want to avoid anyway, so ensuring proper fluid intake (breast milk, formula, water after 6 months for sips, or watery foods) can be beneficial in more ways than one.

What can be mistaken for bruxism?

Babies make a lot of mouth noises — from random lip smacking to crunchy slurping. So not every weird sound is baby grinding new teeth. Here’s what might be mistaken for bruxism:

• Normal chewing: Babies gnaw on all sorts of things: teething toys, their own fingers, maybe that random toy they found behind the couch. The jaw movement can look like grinding, but it’s really just them experimenting with chewing.
• Jaw popping or clicking: Some babies have a bit of a click in their TMJ (the jaw joint), which can mimic the sound of grinding.
• Habitual “gumming”: Before babies have teeth, they might gum their toys, pacifier, or your hand with serious intensity. Once the teeth pop through, that same motion can sound like grinding.

If you’re not totally sure, you can do a quick check: try gently parting your baby’s lips. If their jaw is clenched and the top and bottom teeth are making contact, that’s more likely to be bruxism.

How to stop baby from grinding their teeth

Even if your pediatrician assures you it’s nothing major, the sound alone might be enough to drive you up a wall. And hey, no shame if you’d like a break from your baby’s nightly impression of a woodchipper.

Here are a few strategies to consider:

• Offer teething relief: Your teething baby might just be trying to handle sore gums. Provide safe teething toys or chilled washcloths so they have an appropriate outlet for chomping. Teething gel (if recommended by your pediatrician) or a gentle gum massage can also soothe irritation.
• Check their stress levels: Babies can sense tension — maybe from changes in routine, loud environments, or discomfort like an ear infection. Keep an eye out for triggers that might be pushing them to clench or grind. Aim for a calmer environment, particularly if your baby’s teeth grinding is more of a nightly occurance. Think relaxing white noise, a pre-bedtime bath and massage, and a slightly cooler temperature in the room.
• Hydrate: If there’s any chance dehydration is contributing, make sure your baby gets enough fluids. Breast milk or formula is usually enough for infants under 6 months. Past that age, offering water in small amounts (per pediatric guidance) can help keep them hydrated.
• Evaluate their meals: If you suspect a nutritional deficiency could be at play, talk to your pediatrician. Sometimes a minor shift in diet — like more iron-rich foods or more balanced meals — can help reduce bruxism.
• Offer comfort: Some babies grind their teeth when they’re falling asleep or right after waking up. A soothing bedtime routine — like a warm bath, lullabies, or a gentle massage — might help your baby relax their jaw and reduce grinding.
• Visit a pediatric dentist: If your baby is grinding frequently or you notice signs of wear on their teeth, scheduling a visit with a pediatric dentist can give you peace of mind. They’ll check for any alignment issues or enamel wear that might need attention. Most dentists recommend a first dental checkup by your baby’s first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting.

Can I use a mouth guard to stop baby’s teeth grinding?

Some parents ask whether a night guard is an option. While mouth guards for adults are common, for babies, it’s typically a no-go unless specifically advised by a pediatric dentist.

Babies’ mouths are still growing, so a guard can interfere with that development — and it’s not always practical for an infant.

Baby teeth grinding: The bottom line

Most babies outgrow teeth grinding without any long-term dental issues or jaw problems. Whether it’s a short-lived quirk that ends as soon as they master chewing, or a reaction to teething, it usually fades.

In the meantime, you can focus on comfort measures, a calm environment, and healthy baby routines. And if you ever feel like you’re playing detective trying to figure out “Why is my baby grinding his teeth?!” remember: you’ve got this.

You survived those newborn night feeds, you can handle a little grinding. And if you’re worried or you ever spot red flags — like jaw pain or tooth damage — a quick chat with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist can help rule out anything serious.