my 2 year old son grinds his teeth. he doesnt do it all the time but he has spurts like he will do it on and off for a half hour then not at all for days even weeks sometimes. i know it can be a sign of frustration but he usually does it before he falls asleep or while he is just playing with no other signs of being frustrated. i asked his doctor today and she said there is nothing that can be done but if he starts to do it more often to take him to a dentist so he can get a teeth guard or something. how is a 2 year old going to keep something in his mouth? i dont want him to ruin his teeeth or jaw from grinding hoe do i make it stop?
J.,
even the dentist will tell you that this is so normal. They won't even give them night guards at this age. I go to a childrens specialist for my sons teeth and he says its very normal. Most times they out grow it. My son does not do it as much as he did when he was your sons age. I think the dentist worry more if the grinding happens when the children have adult teeth. I wouldn't worry too much.
My son started grinding his teeth occassionally during the day at around the same age. I, too was told by the drs that there is not too much we can do about it. He grinds his teeth horribly during the night as he tosses and turns. I currently have an appt for the dentist but I doubt that he will wear a guard, but I will try. The funny thing, he doesn't seem frustrated, he's happy and an all around well adjusted child. You're not alone although I do not have any info for you! Good luck
It will stay in his mouth. I wear one (even now).. they make a mold of his teeth and it fits snug enough to stay in position. It is the best option.
If it's often enough it can lead to TMJD issues and eventualyl if left still untreated ot surgery that last I knew still resulte din scars along each side of the face from hair line to almost chin.
It really is a good option.
Otherwise, if its unconscious, I don't know. I know as an adult I"ve asked the same thing and I can't make ti stop. At his age too.. it may be less frustration and more wriggling into his growing pains as it were.
I agree with yoru doctor.. a mouthguard is an easy and effective option and he may just grow out of bruxing (grinding) on his own.
I can't really help you since I don't have any two year olds in my household anymore. I thought when someone grinds their teeth, they are sleeping most of the time. I do it once in a while, but I 'm usually agitated about something. Maybe he will keep the guard in his mouth for a few hours at a time. Good luck with this matter.
My daughter is 17 month old and she's been doing the same thing for a while now. I honestly think its because she's not used to have all those teeth in her mouth and she keeps feeling them. I wouldnt worry unless it becomes something that he does all the time. Good luck.
when he gets a bit older you may want to check with an orthodontist. my son ground his baby teeth to nubs. The dentist didn't want to do anything. We got a second opinion at age 6 with my former orthodontist ( I had lots of work on a cross bite). My son had structural issues which were taken care of before his permanent teeth came in. Some doctors agree with this and some don't so you may have to ask around.
Just a thought, your son may be just experimenting with how his body works and the different things it can do. Not to mention sounds it can make. Like clicking his tongue or making "raspberries". The age is ripe for this type of experimenting. It could just be a habit that he is developing too, like some kids suck their thumbs or twirl their hair without even knowing that they are doing it.If he doesn't seem in pain or discomfort, stressed or overly frustrated I would let it go for a while. If it was my 2 year old that's what I would do.
