Have you ever noticed your child clenching their jaw or grinding their teeth at night? Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is more common than you might think and can lead to worn-down enamel, jaw soreness, and even long-term dental concerns. While occasional grinding isn’t usually a big deal, frequent or severe cases may need attention. Dr. Matthew McNutt at McNutt Orthodontics in Clayton helps families recognize the signs and explore solutions to protect growing smiles, while our Cary office collaborates with Dr. Narineh Panoosian and Dr. Dan Howell at Southern Smiles to provide comprehensive pediatric dental care. Let’s take a closer look at what causes bruxism and how orthodontic treatment can help.
What Causes Teeth Grinding in Kids?
Bruxism can happen for several reasons, and understanding the cause can help determine the best approach to managing it. Dr. Matthew McNutt at McNutt Orthodontics in Clayton helps families uncover what’s behind bruxism and find solutions that keep growing smiles healthy. Here are some of the most common reasons kids experience bruxism:
- Bite Misalignment – When teeth don’t fit together properly, the jaw may shift or clench, leading to grinding.
- Stress or Anxiety – Just like adults, kids can experience stress, which sometimes results in nighttime teeth grinding.
- Sleep Habits – Children who snore, breathe through their mouths, or have disrupted sleep are more likely to grind their teeth.
- Growing Pains – As baby teeth fall out and adult teeth emerge, kids may unconsciously grind to adjust to bite changes.
- Habitual Behavior – Some kids develop a temporary grinding habit that fades over time.
Recognizing the cause is the first step toward finding the right approach. Next, let’s look at common warning signs parents should watch for.
Signs Your Child May Be Grinding Their Teeth
Since bruxism often happens at night, many children don’t realize they’re doing it. That’s why it’s important for parents to watch for signs that could indicate an issue. Dr. Matthew McNutt at McNutt Orthodontics in Clayton helps families recognize these early warning signals, which may include:
Morning Jaw Soreness
Complaints of a tight or tired jaw after waking up could be linked to nighttime grinding.
Frequent Headaches
Grinding places strain on the jaw muscles, which can lead to headaches, especially near the temples.
Worn or Flattened Teeth
Over time, excessive grinding can wear down enamel, making teeth look shorter or more even than before.
Increased Tooth Sensitivity
Thinner enamel from grinding can make teeth more sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks.
Noisy Grinding at Night
Some parents hear a clicking or scraping sound coming from their child’s mouth while they sleep.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, an orthodontic evaluation can help determine if bite alignment plays a role in your child’s bruxism. Let’s explore how orthodontic treatment can help reduce teeth grinding.
How Orthodontics Can Help Reduce Teeth Grinding
When a child’s bite is misaligned, the jaw may shift or clench to compensate, leading to excessive grinding. Dr. Matthew McNutt at McNutt Orthodontics in Clayton evaluates how teeth fit together and determines if orthodontic treatment can help reduce the strain that contributes to bruxism.
Orthodontic care can help by:
- Correcting Bite Imbalances – Braces or aligners gently move teeth into better positions, reducing the stress on the jaw.
- Improving Tooth Contact – When teeth fit together properly, there’s less friction, which may decrease grinding over time.
- Reducing Jaw Strain – An adequately aligned bite allows the jaw to rest in a more natural position, easing tension.
While orthodontic treatment can be an effective long-term solution, additional steps may be needed to fully manage bruxism. Let’s take a look at other ways to help protect your child’s teeth from grinding damage.
Additional Ways to Help Manage Teeth Grinding
While orthodontic treatment can correct bite-related causes of bruxism, some children need extra support to fully manage the habit. Dr. Matthew McNutt at McNutt Orthodontics in Clayton often recommends combining orthodontic care with additional strategies to protect growing teeth.
Custom Nightguards
A nightguard acts as a protective cushion between the teeth, absorbing pressure from grinding and reducing wear. These custom-made appliances help minimize jaw strain and can be especially useful for kids who continue to grind after orthodontic treatment.
Stress Management
Since stress can contribute to bruxism, a calming bedtime routine may help reduce nighttime grinding. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or gentle stretching, can ease tension before sleep. If anxiety seems to be a significant factor, a pediatrician may offer additional support options.
Habit Awareness
If grinding happens during the day, teaching kids to keep their lips together but their teeth slightly apart can reduce unnecessary clenching. Chewing sugar-free gum may also help by keeping the jaw engaged in a different way.
By combining these approaches, families can take meaningful steps to reduce teeth grinding and protect their child’s oral health. Dr. Matthew McNutt at McNutt Orthodontics in Clayton works closely with families to find the best solutions.
Give Grinding the Boot and Protect Your Child’s Smile
Bruxism doesn’t have to wear down your child’s teeth—or your peace of mind. With expert care from the Tooth Mover Team at McNutt Orthodontics in Clayton and Cary, families can explore orthodontic solutions and protective strategies to help reduce grinding and protect growing smiles. If you’ve noticed signs of teeth grinding, scheduling an evaluation is the best way to take action. Book your free consultation today and discover how expert care can help keep you and your family’s smile strong, healthy, and grind-free.