“My 3 year old daughter grinds her teeth. Is this okay?”
My daughter is 3 years old and has a habit of grinding her teeth, especially at night. Is this normal? Also, is it likely to harm her teeth in the long run?
8 Answers
Considering her age she will probably grow out of it. We can not recommend any appliance at this age.
Check her stool for OPC and refer to MD.
Grinding is extremely common in kids. I would consult with her dentist to see if there is any evident wear on her teeth and take it from there.
Normal
Yes, this is normal, and most children do this at a young age, then grow out of it.
Tooth grinding is nature's way of creating a better bite. The 3 year old will have baby teeth which if damaged will be replaced by the permanent teeth later on.
Many toddlers and children grind their teeth significantly. It is not normal, but not unusual either. Unfortunately there is not much anyone can do, as a grinding appliance cannot be used as it will hinder jaw development. The teeth will wear prematurely, but hopefully if she loses the habit before the adult teeth start to come in, she may start again on a “clean slate”. Good luck.
Dr. Cyril Tahtadjian
Dr. Cyril Tahtadjian
Children usually grow out of that habit and can be due to them teething as an example. Follow up with a dentist to have a full check-up and rule out any other issues.
