Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common condition that can affect people at any stage of life. It is characterised by the involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, often occurring unconsciously during sleep. While most cases of bruxism are harmless and require no treatment, severe teeth grinding can lead to additional complications, including damaged teeth, jaw pain or tiredness, and headaches. Therefore, it is crucial to identify its signs and address them for better management.

In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Navata, Maxillofacial Surgeon, CARE Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad, sheds light on the causes, signs, and preventive strategies associated with the condition.

What Causes Teeth Grinding In Sleep?

Teeth grinding in sleep is known as sleep bruxism, says Dr Navata.

He describes it as an involuntary and sleep-related movement disorder that can be caused by multiple factors, both physical and psychological. These include:

• Anxiety or stress: Sleep bruxism can be a subconscious response to stress, tension, panic, or any other overwhelming emotions.
• Sleep disorders: Sleep apnoea is a sleeping disorder that causes brief pauses in your breathing and is also associated with teeth grinding at night.
• Lifestyle factors: Excessive intake of caffeine, consumption of alcohol, and increased smoking may cause sleep bruxism.
• Age: Sleep bruxism is more commonly observed in children, says Dr Navata. In fact, a study published in the Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics found that teeth grinding in sleep can affect 6% to 50% of children. However, the doctor suggests that the symptoms may fade away with adulthood. Some adults may also experience teeth grinding.

Is Teeth Grinding Concerning?

Dr Navata believes tooth grinding can be a cause for concern. This is because prolonged and severe bruxism may result in poor dental health.

He explains, “Teeth are also prone to developing erosions, cracks, or scars due to overtime exposure from grinding. It can also lead to weak teeth and even result in tooth loss.”

Furthermore, heightened sensitivity, earache, and headache in the temples can also be observed in patients with sleep bruxism.

The doctor also warns that if sleep bruxism is left untreated for a long time, it can lead to jaw or facial pain. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder can also be caused by teeth grinding, he adds.

Signs Of Teeth Grinding

Sleep bruxism can be identified primarily by sleep partners in adults.

For children, parents may observe the clenching or grinding sounds of teeth at night. Other symptoms include:

• Waking up with jaw or facial pain
• Experiencing headaches or earaches
• Damage to your teeth, such as erosion, chipping, or fractures

Therefore, visiting a medical professional and getting regular dental checkups are crucial in identifying any signs of sleep bruxism-related symptoms.

How To Stop Teeth Grinding

Sharing some of the effective strategies to stop or manage teeth grinding in adults and children, Dr Navata lists:

• Using mouthguards at night helps cushion the teeth and prevent grinding in sleep.
• Practising light breathing exercises or stress-reducing meditations before bedtime.
• Indulging in yoga can also help to reduce stress-related symptoms in the body.
• Exercising your jaw muscles and facial muscles will help relax the jaw, reducing stiffness of the muscles.
• Lifestyle changes such as cutting down on alcohol, caffeine, and smoking can aid in preventing teeth from grinding in sleep.

Conclusion

Prolonged teeth grinding can be a cause for concern, especially when it starts to cause other symptoms, such as earache, headache, jaw pain, and more. Ensure that you visit a doctor to confirm your diagnosis of sleep bruxism. You can also try managing your stress and indulging in stress-reducing activities like exercise, yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation. These might help with your symptoms and may have a positive effect on your overall health.

Reference Link

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/strategies-to-stop-teeth-grinding-in-sleep-1713002834