Teeth grinding, medically known as bruxism, is a condition wherein individuals clench or grind their teeth involuntarily while sleeping. The exact causes of sleep bruxism are not entirely understood but are often linked to a combination of physical, psychological, and genetic factors. Some common reasons include stress and anxiety, an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, and certain lifestyle factors.
Understanding Sleep Bruxism
Sleep bruxism is a sleep-related movement disorder that’s often associated with arousals during sleep. People with sleep bruxism are more likely to have other sleep disorders, such as snoring and pauses in breathing (sleep apnea).
Signs and Symptoms
Many people may not realize they grind their teeth because it happens during sleep. However, a dull, constant headache or sore jaw when you wake up is a telltale symptom of bruxism. Many times, people learn that they grind their teeth from their loved one who hears the grinding at night. In addition to headache and jaw discomfort, other signs of bruxism include:
– Teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped, or loose
– Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of the tooth
– Increased tooth sensitivity
– Jaw or face pain or soreness
– Tired or tight jaw muscles
– Pain that feels like an earache, though it’s not a problem with the ear
– Dull headache starting in the temples
– Damage from chewing on the inside of the cheek
– Indentations on the tongue
Causes of Sleep Bruxism
Stress and Anxiety
Psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, anger, frustration, or tension, can lead to bruxism. Stressful life events and certain personality types (aggressive, competitive, or hyperactive) can worsen bruxism.
Alignment of Teeth
Abnormal alignment of upper and lower teeth (malocclusion) can lead to bruxism.
Sleep Disorders
Sleep bruxism often coincides with other sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where breathing stops temporarily because the throat muscles relax and block the airway during sleep.
Lifestyle Factors
Certain lifestyle choices such as the use of tobacco, caffeine, alcohol, or recreational drugs can increase the risk of bruxism.
Medications and Other Conditions
Sometimes, bruxism can be a side effect of taking certain types of medication, such as certain antidepressants. Also, conditions like Parkinson’s disease and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are associated with an increased risk of bruxism.
Examining Sleep Bruxism
Diagnosis
Due to the fact that bruxism can have a variety of causes, its diagnosis can involve a multi-faceted approach. A dentist can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, such as jaw tenderness and abnormalities in your teeth.
Polysomnography
In severe cases, or when the diagnosis is unclear, patients may be recommended to undergo polysomnography. This is a comprehensive sleep study where various body functions are monitored overnight, including muscle activity, to confirm the occurrence of teeth grinding during sleep.
Dental Approaches
Dentists often create custom-fitted mouth guards or dental splints for those with bruxism to wear during sleep, which can alleviate the effects on the teeth and jaws.
Managing and Treating Bruxism
While there is no cure for bruxism, there are several methods to manage its symptoms and reduce tooth grinding activity.
Stress Reduction
For bruxism related to stress, the following can help:
– Talking to a friend or family member about stressors
– Seeking professional counseling
– Participating in stress relieving activities such as exercise, yoga, or meditation
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Wearing a mouth guard at night can reduce the grinding noise at night and prevent damage to the teeth.
Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral strategies like biofeedback can help people become aware of and control their grinding or clenching.
Medication
In some cases, muscle relaxants or other medications might be offered temporarily to relieve the pain or manage the bruxism.
Preventing Bruxism
Preventing bruxism can be challenging because there are so many potential causes. However, you can work to minimize your risk by:
– Reducing stress and learning relaxation techniques
– Being mindful of clenching or grinding during the day to reduce the habit
– Scheduling regular dental visits for checkups
– Cutting back on foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as colas, chocolate, and coffee
– Avoiding alcohol since grinding tends to intensify after alcohol consumption
– Not chewing on pencils or pens or anything that is not food to avoid conditioning the jaw muscles to clench
– Not chewing gum since it allows your jaw muscles to get more used to clenching and can make you more likely to grind your teeth
Finishing Thoughts
While it may seem like a harmless habit, teeth grinding in sleep can lead to serious dental health problems and jaw disorders. Understanding why teeth grinding happens and recognizing the signs can lead to early intervention and prevent future dental complications. Take action by managing stress, checking in with dental health professionals, and considering the use of protective dental devices as part of a proactive approach to treat and manage sleep bruxism. Don’t let bruxism take a toll on your health—seek advice and take affirmative steps for a healthier, more restful sleep.
