Why?
From a sensory processing perspective, your child may grind her teeth to help modulate or organize her sensory system. She may be using this technique as a calming strategy. Your child is likely under sensitive to the input she is giving himself and likely has no idea that she may be hurting herself.
What can you do?
Teach your child sensory activities that provide her with appropriate opportunities for strong sensory input to her jaw muscles such as chewing on chewy tube, straw, chewy foods such as gummies, gum. Oral motor heavy work such as sucking thick liquids (i.e. shake, applesauce, pudding) through a straw or blowing bubbles in soapy water or whistles.
For more information on sensory processing related to this and other behaviors, please contact an occupational therapist at Child and Family Development in Charlotte.
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