My 21 month old son keeps grinding his teeth. Does this mean he is lacking something or what?

Someone told me that when a child grinds his teeth he is lacking some kind of nutrition and i just cant see to figure out what it could be. Is this true or is there another reason he is doing this?

My 21 month old son keeps grinding his teeth. Does this mean he is lacking something or what?
Why it happens


Teeth grinding, technically known as bruxism, is a common nighttime habit in many babies. About 50 percent of all infants will grind their teeth before their first birthday. This behavior usually starts around 10 months, when your child's front teeth — two on the top and two on the bottom — have come in. Some babies grind their teeth all night long, while others do it off and on.





What you can do about it


Some babies will stop grinding their teeth if they sleep on their side. If that doesn't work, don't worry. The sound may be nerve-racking for you, but the grinding won't hurt your baby's teeth and he'll outgrow this habit eventually. A low-key approach is best; making a big deal out of the behavior may only encourage the grinding.
Reply:check your child's mouth for new teeth. this is often the only sign that they are beginning to poke thru the gums. relax, it's normal. if you are not convinced, ask his dentist.
Reply:If he keeps it up, take him to a dentist. I had to wear a mouth guard when I was little because I would grind my teeth all night long. It's not a horrible problem but if he does it consistently for a long period of time it can wear down his teeth to a point that it can become an issue. He'll probably grow out of it though. I only do it now when I've had a really stressful day.
Reply:My son use to grind his teeth. I never heard that it could be that he was lacking some kind of nutrition. I ask him pedi. doctor and he asked if my child was stressed or did anyone in my family grind there teeth. I answered no to the first question. Come to find out that on my side of the family my sisters grind there teeth and my husband and his mother have been grinding their teeth in there sleep. So from what I can conclude is that I would believe for my son it runs in the family. He no longer does it. But if your that concerns as I was just take him to his pedi. doctor and see what advise he or she may have for you. I hope I help out in some way . Good Luck.
Reply:I asked my dentist and he said it was stress. My 3 yr old did it when I had a new baby. Good luck.



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