[jules17]

Our son Sam grinds his teeth constantly. Beyond the obvious "nails on the chalkboard," I am worried about his teeth and enamel.

I have suffered from bruxism/TMJ for as long as I can remember (and have the special retainers to prove it!)

Should I take him in to a pediatric dentist?

Thoughts? Experience?

Thanks.

[luv2teach2]

My dd will be three and has been doing that as long as I can remember. We are seeing a dentist at the end of the month

[Zuke]

My son did this when he was getting molars. I see that Sam is just over 2...does he have his 2-year molars yet? Drove me nuts...I have all kinds of problems from grinding my teeth all my life too.
But, he did stop after a couple of weeks when the teeth came through. Hopefully that's it for you and Sam will stop too!

[jules17]

Good point, Zuke!! No, he doesn't have his 2 year molars yet.

Fingers and toes crossed that once he does, the grinding will stop!

[Helenesmom]

It's defeintely the teething.
My daughter always grinds when she is getting in a molar.
Tylenol works wonders!

[karar]

Grinding is very common in children. While it can be a temporary situation, like from soreness during teething, it also can be a chronic issue. Typically, it is not something to worry about in children this young as they are not strong enough to do serious damage. With that being said, I have seen some children that have caused damage from grinding. It would definitely be recommended to see a pediatric or general family dentist. There is not much that can be done at this age. The primary treatment is a night guard but 2 years old is too young to wear one. FYI, at least 30% of the population are grinders (although many of us dentists feel this number is too low). The best thing to do is to try to keep him as relaxed as possible right before bed. Grinding is worsened by stress and anxiety so try to keep a bed time routine with a warm bath and as calm as possible. Also, he may be starting a fear phase where he gets nightmares or is nervous about something. Again, try to keep him as relaxed as possible.

[xxsurroundedbyxy]

My Sam also did this until his teeth lost their "newness" to him. He acted like he just enjoyed the oral stimulation and sound it made. He, too, was getting his back teeth so I agree with everyone that it is more than likely temporary.
Kim

[dilgra]

Tati does this too, off and on. She just went for her first dentist appt last week and I mentioned it. The Dr. said it can be caused by stress/anxiety but given her age (2 next week) which means she is working on her 2 year molars, that it is probably a teething issue. Also, she said that Tati has a slight under bite (and mentioned this is not uncommon in hispanics) that it could be a factor in the grinding.

I hope that she lets up once the molars come in because it drives me NUTS! I just keep thinking she is going to chip a tooth! Best of luck to you!

[jules17]

Thanks all!

Karar, he isn't doing it at night (I know that is when it is most common).

He does it while seemingly very relaxed - playing, etc.

I will take your advice and take him to a ped dentist.

Thanks!