Teeth Grinding 2 Year Old Toddler

Now is about the time for the first dentist appt. In addition to a cleaning, ask them about teeth grinding.

Go to the dentist. I was told to take my daughter to the dentist at 1. She is now 3 and has had her teeth cleaned every 6 months has no problem with it. Better to be safe and ask your dentist. There are many pediatrician dentists out there.

Hello,

I have a son who is 4yrs now and he is always gridings his teeth at night time and more if he is sick with a cold. I did take him to the dentist, but he said that it was normal for now and also because they are still his baby teeth. I don't know I thougt oh well if he say so, lol..but it drives me crazy too more if he have to sleep with me when he is sick I just can't go to sleep.

you should take her to the dentist just for a check up and tell the Dr. your concerns.

I believe the age is "when they get teeth or by 12 months." I take my 2-year-old to a pediatric dentist (toys, fun atmosphere, nice people) and he has always sat on my lap and then is lain backwards on my knees. The dentists looks in from the top of his head. If you go to a pediatric dentist, they know how to pull these things off. As for the teeth grinding, I have read that this is normal. I would not react to it, give her stuff to chew on and it will probably pass. The dentist will advise you if it becomes a real problem.

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Could be both.

Be well.

N.

I'd been grinding my teeth too much (and not from frustration) for too many years. Recently I found that my son (4 1/2) was grinding his teeth in his sleep. A friend alerted me that it could be caused by a vitamin D deficiency. I increased our Vitamin D intake (dairy products for my son, same for me plus a supplement) and the grinding has stopped. And all this time I thought it was just a phase (for him) and something I'd have to deal with (for me) for the rest of my life. Oh, and I DID spend the $$$ with the dentist for a specially made nightguard to help me. Thankfully, the Vitamin D worked wonders and I don't have to wear it anymore.

Teeth grinding is totally normal, although I find it annoying too when my son has done it. I talked with his pediatrician about it, she told me not to worry, that it was a phase that would pass. She told me to ignore it and not draw attention to it if I wanted him to stop. She was right, he stopped!

-M

By the way, I first took my son in to the dentist for a regular appt at 2 years. WHAT A WASTE OF TIME! Even though we had talked all about it, read Elmo goes to the dentist, etc, etc, he had NO intention of cooperating once we got there. He didn't like them to look in his mouth and really didn't participate at all. I took him again at 3 1/2 year...SUCH a different experience. He was completely into it, allowed them to take x-rays (loved that he could see his adult teeth, thought that was so funny), let them polish his teeth and everything. Unless there is something wrong, I say save your time, money and sanity and wait until they are 3-4. For me, two was just too young!

Sometimes sinus issues can do that as well as some parasites. With my son it was a zinc deficiency so we had to supplement with liquid zinc. My MD did the test. FYI - the technical term for teeth grinding is bruxism if you would like to do more research on it.

I don't know what to say about the teeth grinding, but about the dentist, I would start taking her now. Our dentist would look at my little guys teeth while he sat in my lap. And the dentist could barely get my son's mouth open, but he was able to examine what he needed to - I'm sure a pediatric dentist knows what they're doing with little ones. My kids get to pick a fun little toy and a new toothbrush when they go and they seem to enjoy it. Good luck!

Hi,

I've read and been told by doctors that toddlers usually stop grinding on their own.

I started taking my younger son to the dentist for check ups when he was one. Some doctors recommend starting at age 4, but I wouldn't wait that long because, at age 4, all my baby teeth were pulled out because they had severely decayed.

Lynne E

My 2 year old recently started grinding her teeth also. In her case, I think she either just enjoys the sound or does it when she is stressed. I've found that gently massaging her jaw area up by her ears tends to get her to stop. If the problem persists, there are different things that can be used, such as vibrating chew toys, etc... My daughter probably wouldn't take to any of these, but I also could never get her to take a pacifier or teether either. It may be helpful if you can determine the reason that she is grinding her teeth so that you can work from there to redirect her to something less harmful.

My kid's pediatric dentist likes to have kids come in when they first get teeth for first-time parents, more so that she can educate them on how to properly care for the teeth. For my younger children, we're starting between 2 1/2 - 3 with cleanings. If the office is really kid friendly you may be surprised how well your child will cooperate.

Coincidentally I called our dentist yesterday and was told to bring our son in at 3 years. I know someone else that was told 2 so I guess there's some mixed opinions out there.

Hi L. Y, she maybe grinding her teeth cause she likes the sound. When baby's or small children realize they can make different sounds they will do it for that reason. Good job on taking the pacifire, personally I think they are discusting, but that's just me. Grinding her teeth is not good for her teeth, she could really ruin them depending on how much or how offten she does it. You didn't mention how old she is, so what i would do is when you catch her doing it just tap her cheek with your finger, no force, and just say stop, the good thing is these teeth are not permanent, but you don't want this to become a habit. She can also develope jaw problems by grinding her teeth. About the dentist, the age changes all the time, I had my baby's in the 8o's and it was by 2 have then visit the dentist for regular check ups, but you can asl her ped what the age is now. I would give herback the pacifire. J. L.

I'm not sure about the teeth grinding; however, I just took my 2 yr. old to the dentist.

He was gentle and he sat in my lap the whole time while the dentist was checking his teeth & gums. I didn't think he'd be able to sit through it as well, but I went because it looked like he had a nasty infection on his gums that I was really worried about. He did absolutely GREAT! He had an x-ray taken (on infected side) and let them clean his teeth. I had been prepping him for a while because I actually lay him down (from time to time) to really clean his teeth and floss. We also talked about the dentist a few days before. Of course, they were a pediatric dental group so I think that helped so much!

Good luck!

My son grinds his teeth at night. THe dentist just monitors to see that there is no damage being done. I took my active 2 year-old to the pediatric dentist and he had a great experience. My son sat in my lap while the dentist looked in. The dentist explained everything he was doing before and during to help my son stay calm. I was so impressed.