Toddle Grinding Teeth

Hi L.. My 21 month old used to do this all the time especially when teething. I can't stand the noise and it was brought to my attention that even though I wasn't making a big deal I was reacting to it without even realizing it so if she realized she gets some sort of reaction out of you by grinding her teeth if you completly ignore it that includes any type of gasping sound or other reaction facial or noise she may stop doing it. It is completly normal for babies and toddlers to grind their teeth as they come in you need to be concerned if she is doing it while sleeping though.

hi -
teeth grinding at this age is called Bruxism - it is normal and not an issue - you should look it up on the internet to feel better - my son did it then, occasionally now (age 2 3/4) .
all the best!

A feeding specialist told me once that some people grind because they are not getting that "grinding" feeling other ways, by chewing tough things like meat, etc. and it's the body's natural way to get that "feeling". Not sure how true that is... but it's a thought - obviously babies are not chewing on a hunk O steak at this time! Ha ha. How about new kinds of "chewy tubes" and teethers? Maybe that would provide better stimulation. Especially the chew toys that vibrate once she bites down? There is a catalog/website called www.talktools.net that offers some of those types of chew toys and they are tough! P's and Q's work well, and the Chew Tubes that look like a letter T shape is also helpful (although drool can go in the tube and get messy by dripping out the other end). I've seen a teether that's a "star" on top and when the child bites it, it vibrates. This might give her some good sensation and reduce the grinding. Not sure where I got it - I want to say Walmart or Target, but I've also seen it in feeding therapy catalogs. Good luck!

it really is the worst, but the only thing to stop it, is to ignore it

I had that problem with both of my children. My oldest did it because he got a reaction out of me...when i learned not to respond it wasnt fun anymore :) My youngest however never out grew it and usually it happens in her sleep. She is now 4 and my dentist assures me that its not a problem unless she is doing it when her permanent teeth start coming in. I feel for you...i cant stand the sound of that myself!

hope this is helpful.