21 Month Old Son Is Grinding His Teeth at Night

My son used to do this often while he slept. It has gotten much better now. (He is 5 now.) I don't know if there is much that you can do. I would agree not to bother waking him up because he can't control that action once he is a sleep again. Check with your dentist and see if she/he has any advice. I used to think with my son.... well at least it's his primary teeth. Hopefully your son will not grind his teeth as often as he gets older.

Hi A.,

I had this same problem a couple of months back. When I heard my son grind his teeth I would hold his jaw for a couple of seconds then he would stop. His dentist explained that because they don't have their back teeth, while they are sleeping they are so relaxed that their jaw closes but not to their comfort so it's like the top teeth are looking for the bottom teeth. I am not sure if I am explaining it right but the point is, that this is normal and lots of children go through this. I hope this comforts you a little.

Hi A.
I have 3 kids and 2 of them are teeth grinders. My pediatric dentist says that it is very common for kids to grin teeth and there is absolutely nothing to worry about.....so I don't anymore!! :)

The recommended age to see a dentist is 3 years old, but I'm sure if you called a local pediatric dentist in your area, they would talk to you, and put you to ease, hopefully!

T.

Hi A.,

My daughter, now almost 7, has been grinding her teeth on & off for a couple of years now. According to her dentist (she's been going regularly since she was 2) this is VERY common in children, there's not much you can do about it, and tends to diminish & ultimately go away in time.

If she's waking up w/ headaches or a sore jaw, you could try the usual Tylenol or Ibuprofen. I've massaged her jaws (by her cheek/ear area) when I've caughter her grinding & she tends to stop. She also stays asleep during the process...

Good luck!