Why many people grind their teeth while sleeping

Occasional teeth grinding while sleeping is harmless, but excessive and prolonged teeth grinding can lead to a number of health problems .

Almost everyone grinds their teeth occasionally while sleeping. This is not a common occurrence and is not harmful, but when teeth grinding occurs regularly, it can damage teeth and lead to other oral health complications.

Teeth grinding can be classified as diurnal or nocturnal , depending on whether the grinding occurs while awake or asleep. Diurnal grinding is considered a separate condition from nocturnal grinding, and is often associated with stress.

While nighttime teeth grinding can be caused by a variety of factors, it is difficult to pinpoint the cause or recommend a treatment for an individual. However, it is clear that the behaviour is more common in children than adults, with some estimates suggesting that up to half of children may grind their teeth in their sleep before they reach adolescence.

Causes of teeth grinding

Teeth grinding is a common condition that occurs during sleep. (Photo: Nolensvillepediatricdentistry).

According to the UK's National Health Service (NHS), teeth grinding can happen when you're awake or asleep. However, teeth grinding usually happens during sleep, and people aren't aware that they're grinding their teeth.

A dull, constant headache or jaw pain upon waking is a telltale symptom of bruxism. People often learn that they grind their teeth because their loved ones hear them grinding at night.

In addition to teeth grinding and jaw clenching, some other symptoms of this condition include:

1. Pain in the face, neck and shoulders.
2. Jaw pain can lead to a condition called temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
3. Worn or broken teeth can increase sensitivity, leading to loss of teeth and fillings.
4. Headache.
5. Earache.
6. Sleep disturbance.

While teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, it usually occurs during sleep and is more likely to be caused by an abnormal bite, missing or crooked teeth, according to Webmd. The condition can also be caused by sleep disorders like sleep apnea.

Certain medications, including a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) , can also cause bruxism. In addition, bruxism is associated with smoking, heavy alcohol and caffeine consumption, and the use of drugs such as ecstasy and cocaine.

Teeth grinding is common in children and adolescents, especially during sleep. It usually stops when the child reaches adulthood and their adult teeth have come in.

Severe teeth grinding can not only damage your teeth and lead to tooth loss, but it can also affect your jaw, causing or worsening bruxism, and even altering your facial appearance.

How to prevent teeth grinding while sleeping

Unfortunately, there is no cure for bruxism. However, there are some things that can help. These include relaxation and stress reduction exercises, as well as other lifestyle changes related to diet and medication.

According to Hindustan Times, Dr. Nirali Patel, dental surgeon and oral implantologist at Smile Craft Dental Studio (India), shares tips to help you stop grinding your teeth.

Use a mouth guard at night

Constantly grinding your teeth can wear down the enamel and make them more susceptible to cavities. A mouth guard will protect your teeth. It is best to have one custom-made to fit comfortably and properly. Wearing a mouth guard overnight is one of the best ways to prevent teeth grinding while you sleep.

Mouth guards are a useful tool to help reduce teeth grinding while sleeping. (Photo: Eaglegatedental).

Do exercise

Teeth grinding is often the result of stress or anxiety, with the tension manifesting as grinding your teeth. Exercise can help you relieve that stress.

Relax right before bed

A tense jaw area needs to be relaxed and loosened before you go to bed. Try relaxation techniques to reduce tension in your mouth, including some of the following:

1. Take a warm bath before bed to relax your jaw muscles.
2. Place a heating pad or warm, wet washcloth on your jaw.
3. Drink caffeine-free herbal tea to warm your mouth.

Jaw massage

Relax your face and massage your jaw muscles. The massage will release tension that has built up throughout the day.

Stop chewing everything but food

Do you chew gum all day? Like to chew ice while working? You should stop these repetitive movements because they cause your jaw to clench.

Also, say goodbye to steak, popcorn, and gummy bears on days when your bruxism kicks in. These foods require a lot of chewing and will wear down your jaw.

If you know you grind your teeth or suspect that grinding your teeth may be the cause of your pain or other symptoms, see your dentist. They can check your teeth for wear to determine if you grind your teeth and recommend appropriate treatment.