Identifying Teeth Grinding in Sleep
Bruxism is the involuntary habit of grinding your teeth. Up to 50% of children experience teeth grinding in sleep. Even though this habitual act decreases over time, it is still common in adulthood for a number of reasons.
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How Teeth Grinding in Sleep is Diagnosed
The most conclusive test for teeth grinding in sleep is a Polysomnography test. This sleep test will be done at a facility where small sensors are placed on your head and body. The sleep test will record your heart rate, brain waves, oxygen levels, breathing, and eye and body movement.
A less time-consuming way of determining teeth grinding in sleep is done at the dental office. Your dental professional can determine levels of grinding during your routine exam.
Signs of Teeth Grinding in Sleep
During your dental visits, your dentist and dental hygienist will examine the signs of Bruxism below:
- Worn enamel that exposes the inner yellow layers of the teeth
- Teeth that are flattened, fractured, or chipped
- Continual bone loss through routine x-rays
- Tight or locked jaw muscles impeding jaw movement
- A scalloped pattern on the tongue
- Bite marks patterns on the cheek
- Popping and or clicking of the jaw upon opening and closing
What causes grinding teeth in sleep?
Stress
Present anxiety and stress in life can cause patients to hold tension in their mouths. Stress releases hormones like Cortisol triggering this physical response in our body. Recently, more than 60% of dentists reviewed by the American Dental Association have seen an increased presence of dental trauma from stress-related incidents (2021).
Age
Different stages of life can impact teeth grinding patterns in patients. Children are more likely to experience teeth grinding in sleep. This is most likely a result of teething and developing adult teeth in the bone.
Certain Medical Disorders
Involuntary movements caused by Parkinson’s disease and Epilepsy can cause teeth grinding in sleep and clenching throughout the day. Certain behavior disorders like Schizophrenia, ADD, ADHD, and panic and anxiety disorders can also cause Bruxism. Some physiatric medications have Bruxism as a side effect.
Sleep Apnea
Teeth grinding in sleep is commonly present in patients who have sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea can cause stress hormones to be released triggering clenching and grinding. Another reason for Bruxim at night is your body’s trying to find the right position in the jaw to open your airway.
Consequences of Teeth Grinding in Sleep
Many patients continue to deal with teeth grinding in sleep for a number of reasons. It’s important to consult your medical and dental professional to prevent the damage below.
- Fracturing Teeth: The pressure and force the facial muscles can expel can cause the teeth to break. This can be quite costly if the tooth can be saved.
- Gum Recession and Bone Loss: Over time, the continual force from clenching and grinding can make the gum tissue ligaments pull back. This can also cause permanent bone loss that supports the teeth.
- Tooth Sensitivity: The repeated force involved in Bruxism can cause dental sensitivity from exposed roots, tooth wear and chipping, and angering the nerve.
- Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorders: The habit of teeth grinding can cause destruction to the jaw joints. Over time this can arthritis, painful popping, and jaw locking.
- Migraines and Headaches: The force of clenching and grinding combined with the stress response can trigger painful migraines and headaches.
Treating Teeth Grinding in Sleep
Your dental professional can work with you to find the best approach to treating teeth grinding in sleep. Your dentist will first identify what is triggering the Bruxism and treatment plan accordingly.
- Occlusal Gaurd: Your dental professional will make you a custom-fit nightguard made out of hard plastic to protect your teeth and relax your jaw muscles. In a relaxed state, your teeth aren’t touching and the mouth guard will mimic this position.
- Orthodontics: In certain cases, fixing your bite can fix Bruxism habits and present dental trauma. Our Comprehensive Braces Guide goes over several braces treatment options.
- Stress Management: A common cause of teeth grinding in sleep is stress. Work with your medical professional to help implement lifestyle changes. These include meditation practices, professional therapy, supportive diet and exercise, and a decrease in alcohol and tobacco habits.
*** We do not recommend over-the-counter nightguards. This soft plastic can actually do more damage to the mouth. The softer material will trigger the brain to chew, clench, and grind more causing your jaw and facial muscles to work more. ***
For more information, check out our Night Guard for TMJ Pain article.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fix grinding teeth while sleeping?
The first step in correcting grinding teeth in sleep is identifying the reason why. Work with your medical and dental professionals to support you and create a unique treatment plan.
Is grinding teeth while sleeping bad?
Grinding teeth in sleep can be a short-term and long-term habit. Shorter periods of grinding and clenching like teething as a child or small periods of stress usually don’t come with severe consequences. Longer periods of grinding that come with medical disorders, sleep apnea, and stressful lifestyles can cause permanent damage to the teeth and facial structures.
Can Bruxism go away?
There are several causes of Bruxism that can be corrected or managed. This takes time and working with your medical and dental team. Consult your doctors to help identify the cause of your Bruxism and create a custom treatment plan.
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