Teeth Grinding at Night: Understanding Causes, Consequences, and Advanced Treatments

Are you in the habit of grinding your teeth while you sleep? If so, you might not even be aware of this condition. Contemporary studies have found that up to 31 percent of adults might be suffering from a condition known as bruxism.

As you might have already guessed, bruxism is defined by an abnormal grinding or gnashing of the teeth. This can occur while asleep, or even as a result of psychological stress (such as clenching your jaw when becoming angry).

Either way, teeth grinding at night can have a long-term impact upon your dental health. This is why it’s a good idea to take a look at some common symptoms before discussing your potential treatment options.

What are the Signs that You May be Suffering from Bruxism?

We should first note that bruxism can be segmented into two primary categories. You might grind your teeth throughout the day, or instead while asleep. There are nonetheless a handful of telltale symptoms that something may be wrong:

• Headaches
• Jaw pain
• A ringing in the ears (clinically known as tinnitus)
• Earaches
• Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
• Unexplained muscular pain in and around the jaw when chewing food

There are also several factors that can place you at a higher risk of developing bruxism. While we already mentioned the role that psychological stress may play, other variables such as certain types of medications, sleep apnea, and excessive caffeine intake could likewise be involved.

The Consequences of Teeth Grinding at Night

One of the main problems of those who experience bruxism while sleeping is that they might not associate daytime symptoms with this condition. There are nonetheless several long-term consequences that should be taken seriously. Examples can include (but might not always be limited to):

• Mechanical damage to the teeth (such as chips, cracks, or an erosion of the enamel)
• Increased chances of developing gum disease.
• Difficulty sleeping (possibly leading to other health issues)
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder

Some individuals could also experience facial pains that do not seem to have a discrete origin. It only stands to reason that you should consult a medical professional if any of the symptoms outlined above have persisted for a significant amount of time.

How is Bruxism Diagnosed?

It is likely that a doctor will first try to classify your physical symptoms, checking for issues such as damage to the teeth. Once these have been classified, the appropriate treatment options can be prescribed. There can still be instances when a more in-depth diagnosis may be required.

For instance, some individuals could be asked to perform a type of sleep study known as a polysomnography. The main point here is that linking the symptoms together is the best way to confirm that bruxism is the underlying cause.

Can My Bruxism be Resolved?

The answer to this question will possibly involve whether you are diagnosed with a mild or severe case. In milder scenarios, simple lifestyle changes can provide a significant amount of relief (these will be discussed in more detail a bit later).

There are still instances when severe bruxism could require some type of formal intervention. These options might be recommended:

• Wearing a special type of mouthguard while asleep.
• Taking medications intended to relax the muscles around the jaw
• Botox injections (these also relax the jaw and provide temporary pain relief, although numerous injections may be required)

Oral health professionals will normally determine the best way forward on a case-by-case basis.

Breaking Away from Old Habits

We briefly mentioned the role that lifestyle changes may play, and it’s a good idea to take a look at some practical recommendations. In the event that your teeth grinding results from stressful situations, it could be wise to develop techniques that enable you to relax during such scenarios. This is sometimes known as the Relaxation Response method.

Nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine have likewise been shown to play a potential role. It is therefore wise to quit cigarettes, cut back on coffee throughout the day, and abstain from drinking large quantities of alcohol. Of course, these recommendations will also provide numerous other health benefits.

It can still be difficult to know if you are making progress, even if the previous recommendations are rigidly followed. So, always make it a point to schedule regular visits to your dentist. He or she will be able to provide even more insight and guidance.

What is the Long-Term Prognosis?

It is only logical to address a final question. Is it possible to completely cure bruxism once you have been diagnosed by a professional? This ultimately depends on the severity, and how long the condition has been present.

Those with mild cases might eventually realize that the symptoms have resolved themselves. Adults grappling with severe bruxism may instead benefit from the use of mouthguards alongside similar types of medical intervention.

How Can I Deal with Recurring Bruxism?

Let us now assume that you have been forced to live with the symptoms of bruxism. While these might never go away, the main point here should instead be to moderate their severity.

This could involve proactive strategies such as experimenting with different types of mouthguards or even experimenting with natural supplements such as valerian root (this herb has been shown to produce calming effects).

Unfortunately, many adults are dealing with the ongoing effects of bruxism. Whether you have been grinding your teeth during the overnight hours, or psychological stress throughout the day seems to be the main culprit, it always pays to speak with a professional. There are plenty of effective options to explore, and these will provide surprising benefits.

Sources:

1. https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/39/11/2049/2708354?login=false
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10955-teeth-grinding-bruxism
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/12131-sleep-study-polysomnography
4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/using-the-relaxation-response-to-reduce-stress-20101110780