Lynne: My 18 month old grandson has started grinding his teeth. Is there anything we can do to stop that?

Sister Lillian: Is it a family thing? Who did it?

Lynne: Yes, I think my dad used to do it, but I mean that is a great grandfather so I am not sure that would affect it.

Sister Lillian: Genes have got an amazing way of coming out. It usually is not a problem and is more distressing for those around you than for the child itself. Is it only when he sleeps?

Lynne: He does it in the morning when he is with me, when he is up and about and then my daughter says he does it when he is sleeping as well. He apparently wakes them with it.

Sister Lillian: Is there anything that seems to be associated with it? Does he seem concerned about anything, is he a very sensitive natured little child?

Lynne: No, he is quite a happy little boy, quite casual and confident, so there is nothing that I can place that should cause him to do it.

Sister Lillian: When did he start?

Lynne: Just recently, during the last two or three weeks.

Sister Lillian: Is he maybe teething?

Lynne: He has got all his front teeth, but I am not sure about the back ones.

Sister Lillian: You see he might be teething some molars now, which is quite a common time for them to start that. I know there are all kinds of old wives tales about grinding teeth, OK. Don't worry. You know it becomes a bit of a habit as well. It might start because he is experiencing discomfort there, and he might be trying to relieve it. If there seems to be a continued problem, a visit to the dentist can sometimes just help you, reassure you if nothing else that the teeth are fine. One should try distraction while he is awake, don't focus his attention on it. And if it is because of teething, it might not be a bad idea to give him a teething ring. Let him rather teeth on that instead of on his other teeth.

Sister Lillian: During the break a dentist called in just to remind us that sometimes grinding of teeth can be a sign of worm infestation. And yes that is so. I almost doubt that with this little one at 18 months that it would be the case, especially as there is that family connection. But, remember that, if your kids are a little older and grinding their teeth, then do think about treating your child for worm disease.