Can a Blocked Nose Cause Teeth Grinding in Children? The Upper Airway Connection

If your child grinds their teeth at night, you might wonder if it’s just a harmless habit—or something more. Surprisingly, a blocked nose or upper airway obstruction could be the hidden cause. Read on to learn about how nasal blockage and upper airway issues can lead to teeth grinding in children and what you can do to help.

Why Do Kids Grind Their Teeth?

Teeth grinding, medically called bruxism, is when children clench or rub their teeth together, often during sleep. While many kids outgrow this habit, frequent grinding can cause jaw pain, headaches, and wearing down of their teeth over time. Understanding the reasons behind it can help identify if there’s an underlying issue that needs attention.

One common factor is a blocked nose caused by allergies, enlarged adenoids, or chronic congestion. When nasal breathing becomes difficult, children often switch to mouth breathing, which can contribute to teeth grinding in several ways:

1. Jaw Adjustment to Open the Airway: To breathe more easily, kids may push their jaw forward or shift it, which can trigger clenching and grinding.
2. Sleep Disturbances Trigger Grinding: Reduced oxygen flow from nasal blockage can cause brief awakenings (micro-arousals), during which teeth grinding is more likely to occur.
3. Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids Affect Airflow: These conditions can obstruct breathing, forcing the jaw into awkward positions that promote grinding.

Recognizing these connections can help parents and caregivers address both breathing and teeth grinding issues effectively.

Signs Your Child’s Teeth Grinding Is Linked to Breathing Problems

Watch for these red flags:

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🔹A constantly stuffy nose or breathing through the mouth
🔹Loud snoring or gasping while they sleep
🔹Tossing and turning or waking up often at night
🔹Feeling tired during the day or acting extra hyper (sometimes looks like ADHD)
🔹Getting lots of ear infections or sore throats

If you notice these along with teeth grinding, an airway issue could be the root cause.

How to Help Your Child Stop Teeth Grinding Caused by Breathing Issues

If your child’s teeth grinding might be linked to airway problems, there are several easy ways to help improve their breathing and reduce grinding.

1. Clear Up Nasal Congestion

• Use saline sprays or nasal rinses to relieve stuffy noses.
• Treat allergies if certain environments or seasons cause sneezing and congestion.
• Consider over the counter products like Pediatric Sensimist Nasal spray (you should check with an ENT doctor if you use this for more than 3 months).
• Have an ENT doctor check for enlarged adenoids or tonsils that might block airflow.

2. Create Better Sleep Conditions

• Use a humidifier to keep the air moist and soothe nasal passages.
• Keep the bedroom clean and free from allergens like dust and pet dander.
• Side sleeping might help to keep the airway open as a temporary option.

3. Explore Dental and Medical Options

• Hard palate expansion can not only create more space for your child’s tongue, it can also widen the nose to help with nasal obstruction.
• An airway focused orthodontic check-up is recommended if a narrow palate is affecting breathing.
• In some cases, removing enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or performing a turbinate reduction can clear the airway and reduce grinding.

4. Practice Breathing Exercises and Jaw Strengthening

• Teach simple, nose-breathing exercises to encourage better breathing habits during the day.
• Encourage chewing tougher foods to strengthen jaw muscles, which can support a healthier airway.
• Practice breathing with your child’s tongue on the roof of their mouth. This often requires the assistance of an oro-myofunctional therapist

When to See a Doctor or Dentist

If your child continues to grind their teeth, it’s important to seek professional advice.Consider the following:

1. Schedule a visit with an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist to check for nasal or sinus blockages and other airway concerns.
2. Consult an airway-centric dentist to evaluate your child’s mouth, hard palate, and airway which if narrowed can contribute to teeth grinding.

Functional Pediatric ENT Care in Illinois: Helping Kids Breathe Better and Stop Teeth Grinding

Many parents assume kids outgrow teeth grinding, but if it’s caused by airway obstruction, it may worsen without the right care. By improving your child’s breathing, you could help them sleep better and protect their teeth.

At Exhale Sinus, TMJ, Headache & Sleep, our Pediatric ENT team specializes in uncovering the real reason behind your child’s stuffy nose, sinus troubles, or breathing struggles—whether it’s allergies, enlarged adenoids, or something else. We don’t just stop at diagnosis—we team up with dentists, sleep specialists, and other experts to make sure your child gets the right care, not just a quick fix. Ready to help your child breathe (and sleep, grow, and thrive) better?  Call us today to schedule an appointment!

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