Parents share experiences and advice on a common teething phase for infants
Category: Health
It’s a sound that can make any parent cringe—the grinding of teeth. If you’ve got a baby around 9 months old who’s started this habit, you’re not alone. Many parents are discussing their experiences with baby tooth grinding in a recent thread on Reddit, where they shared insights, worries, and strategies to cope with this common phase.
As seen in a trending post on r/beyondthebump, the sound of teeth grinding can be alarming, but many parents agree that it’s a normal part of teething. If your baby is grinding their teeth, it’s likely just them experimenting with their new dental situation.
Grinding teeth, known as bruxism, is quite common among infants and toddlers, especially during teething. According to pediatricians, this behavior often arises as babies discover their teeth and learn how to use them. It can also be a way for them to alleviate discomfort associated with teething. As one parent noted, "It was awful... but I’m sure it’s due to him teething." This sentiment was echoed by others who shared similar experiences.
Many parents have chimed in on the Reddit thread, sharing their own stories about their children’s tooth grinding. One user recalled, "My daughter grounded her teeth too. It was awful. We offered her crushed ice and tethers a lot." Another parent noted, "My almost 9mo is impossible to wrangle for a diaper change," illustrating the chaotic reality of managing a teething baby.
Another parent mentioned that their child’s grinding lasted only a few weeks, saying, "It only lasted a couple weeks though, maybe a month." This reflects a common experience: most children will grow out of this phase relatively quickly. As one commenter put it, "They do grow out of it. It's just them experimenting with the weird discovery of having teeth." So, if your little one is grinding their teeth, take comfort in knowing that this too is likely temporary.
To alleviate the discomfort that may lead to grinding, parents have suggested various remedies. Many found that offering cold items like crushed ice or teething toys helped soothe their babies’ gums. Teething rings, especially those that can be chilled, are also popular choices. One parent emphasized, "We did brush her teeth regularly, which seemed to help as well." Keeping your baby’s mouth clean is important, especially with new teeth coming in.
Even though grinding teeth is typically harmless, there are instances when it might be worth consulting your pediatrician. Call your pediatrician if:
It’s always best to err on the side of caution. Regular dental check-ups can also help monitor your child’s oral health as they grow.
In the midst of teething troubles, some parents suggested avoiding certain practices. For example, don’t resort to over-the-counter pain medications without consulting your pediatrician first. It’s also advised to steer clear of home remedies that haven’t been scientifically validated, as these could potentially do more harm than good.
One parent humorously remarked, "I wanted to run away lol 🤞 they stop asap!" This highlights the frustration many parents feel during this challenging time, but it’s important to remain patient and supportive.
Teething can be a tough phase for both babies and parents. Grinding teeth is a normal behavior that usually resolves itself as your child grows. Providing comfort through teething toys and cold items can help ease your baby’s discomfort. If you have concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician. This phase may seem overwhelming, but it’s just one of many milestones in your child’s development.
As you navigate this teething phase, know that you’re not alone. Many parents have walked this path before you, and there’s plenty of support and advice available. So hang in there—this too will pass!
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflect independently verified reporting.