Grinding teeth in sleep causes

A. Teeth Grinding And Sleep (Sleep Bruxism)

Most people probably grind and clench their teeth from time to time during their sleep. Occasional teeth grinding, medically known as bruxism, does not usually cause harm, but if teeth grinding occurs regularly, teeth can be damaged and other complications can occur, such as: B. Discomfort in the jaw muscles or jaw joint pain.

1. Why do people grind their teeth?

Although the causes of bruxism aren’t really known, several factors may play a role. Stressful situations, an abnormal bite, and crooked or missing teeth seem to contribute. There is also evidence that sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can cause teeth grinding.

2. Can teeth grinding be avoided?

Teeth grinding can be avoided by using a mouthguard. A mouthguard provided by a dentist can be placed over the teeth to prevent teeth from grinding together. Stress reduction and other lifestyle changes, including avoiding alcohol and caffeine, may also help. Your dentist may ask you questions about your sleep habits to determine if a sleep study is needed.

B. Bruxism: Teeth Grinding At Night

Teeth clenching and grinding of teeth is a common involuntary response to anger, fear, or stress. Some people experience this reaction repeatedly throughout the day, even if they are not responding to an immediate stressor. This involuntary grinding of teeth is called bruxism. Bruxism can occur while you’re awake or asleep, but people are much less likely to realize that they grind their teeth in their sleep. Because of the force exerted during sleep episodes of bruxism, the condition can cause serious problems for the teeth and jaw and require treatment to reduce its effects.

1. What is sleep bruxism?

Sleep bruxism is teeth grinding that occurs during sleep. Sleep bruxism and waking bruxism are considered different conditions, although the physical effects are similar. Of the two, waking bruxism is more common. One of the biggest challenges of sleep bruxism is that it’s much harder for people to notice that they’re grinding their teeth in their sleep.

2. How common is sleep bruxism?

Sleep bruxism is more common in children, adolescents, and young adults than in middle-aged and elderly adults. Accurate numbers on how many people have sleep bruxism are difficult to come by because many people are unaware that they are grinding their teeth. The pediatric sleep bruxism statistic is the most difficult to define. Studies have found that between 6% and almost 50% of children experience teeth grinding at night. It can affect children as soon as teeth come through, causing some babies and toddlers to grind their teeth. In adolescents, the prevalence of sleep bruxism is estimated at about 15%. It becomes less common with age, as it is believed that around 8% of middle-aged adults and only 3% of older adults grind their teeth during sleep.

3. What are the symptoms of sleep bruxism?

The main symptom of sleep bruxism is involuntary clenching and grinding of teeth during sleep. The movements are similar to chewing, but usually require more strength. People with sleep bruxism don’t grind their teeth at night. Instead, they have episodes of squeezing and grinding. People can have very few episodes per night or as many as 100. The frequency of episodes is often inconsistent, and teeth grinding may not occur every night.

Some mouth movement during sleep is normal. Up to 60% of people occasionally engage in a chewing-like movement known as rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (RMMA), but these occur more frequently and more severely in people with sleep bruxism. Most sleep bruxism occurs early in the sleep cycle during stages 1 and 2 of non-REM sleep. A small percentage of episodes can occur during REM sleep.

It’s normal for people who grind their teeth at night not to notice this symptom unless told to by a family member or bed partner. However, other symptoms can be an indication of sleep bruxism. Jaw and neck pain are two common signs of teeth grinding. These occur due to the tightening of these muscles during episodes of bruxism. Morning headaches that feel like tension headaches are another possible symptom. Unexplained damage to teeth can also be a sign of night clenching and teeth grinding.

4. What are the consequences of sleep bruxism?

The late effects of sleep bruxism can include significant damage to the teeth. Teeth can become painful, eroded and mobile. Crowns, fillings and dental implants can also be damaged. Teeth grinding can increase your risk of problems with the joint that connects the jaw to the skull, known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ problems can cause difficulty chewing, chronic jaw pain, popping or clicking noises, locked jaws, and other complications.

Not everyone with sleep bruxism will have serious effects. The severity of the symptoms and long-term consequences depend on the severity of the grinding, the position of the teeth, the diet and whether there are other medical conditions that can affect the teeth, such as: B. gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Nocturnal teeth grinding can also affect your bed partner. The squeezing and creaking sound can be distracting, making it difficult for a bedding community to fall asleep or stay asleep for as long as desired.

5. What Causes Sleep Bruxism?

Multiple factors influence the risk of sleep bruxism, so it’s often not possible to identify a single cause of teeth grinding. However, certain risk factors are associated with an increased likelihood of sleep bruxism. Stress is one of the most important of these risk factors. Clenching your teeth in negative situations is a common response that can lead to episodes of sleep bruxism. It is believed that teeth grinding is also linked to higher levels of anxiety.

Researchers have found that sleep bruxism has a genetic component and can run in families. About half of people with sleep bruxism will have a close family member who also has the condition. Episodes of teeth grinding appear to be associated with changes in sleep patterns or sleep microarousals. Most teeth grinding is preceded by an increase in brain and cardiovascular activity. This could explain the links9 found between sleep bruxism and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which causes transient sleep disruptions due to pauses in breathing. Several other factors have been linked to sleep bruxism, including smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine consumption, depression, and snoring. Further research is needed to better understand possible causal relationships and whether and how these factors influence sleep bruxism.

6. How is sleep bruxism diagnosed?

Sleep bruxism is diagnosed by a doctor or dentist, but the diagnostic process can vary depending on the type of healthcare provider performing the treatment. An overnight exam at a sleep clinic, known as a polysomnography, is the most conclusive way to diagnose sleep bruxism. However, polysomnography can be time-consuming and expensive, and in certain cases it may not be necessary. Polysomnography can identify other sleep problems like OSA, so it can be especially helpful when a person has multiple sleep problems.

For many people, the presence of symptoms such as tooth damage and jaw pain combined with reports of teeth grinding from a bed partner can be enough to determine that a person suffers from sleep bruxism. At-home observational tests can monitor signs of teeth grinding, but these tests are considered less conclusive than polysomnography.

7. What are the treatments for sleep bruxism?

There is no treatment that can completely eliminate or cure teeth grinding during sleep, but various approaches can reduce episodes and limit damage to teeth and jaws. Some people who grind their teeth have no symptoms and may not need treatment. Other people may have symptoms or be at greater risk of long-term problems, and treatment is usually needed in these cases. The best treatment for sleep bruxism varies from person to person and should always be overseen by a doctor or dentist who can explain the advantages and disadvantages of therapy in the patient’s specific situation.

a. Stress reduction

High levels of stress contribute to bruxism while awake and asleep, so taking steps to reduce and manage stress can help reduce teeth grinding naturally. It is ideal to reduce stressful situations, but of course it is impossible to completely eliminate stress. As a result, many approaches focus on counteracting negative stress responses to reduce their effects. Techniques for reframing negative thoughts are part of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), a talk therapy used to improve sleep that can also address anxiety and stress. Improving sleep hygiene and using relaxation techniques may have additional benefits in falling asleep more easily.

b. Medication

Medications help some people reduce sleep bruxism. Most of these drugs work by altering brain chemicals to reduce muscle activity when you grind your teeth. Botox injections are another way to limit muscle movement and have been shown to be effective in more severe cases of sleep bruxism. Most medications have side effects that may make them unsuitable for some patients or difficult to use over a long period of time. It’s important to talk to a doctor before taking any sleep bruxism medication to better understand the possible benefits and side effects.

c. Nozzles

Different types of mouthpieces and mouth guards, sometimes called night guards, are used to reduce damage to the teeth and mouth that can occur from sleep bruxism. Dental splints can cover the teeth so that there is a barrier against the harmful effects of grinding. Splints are usually designed by a dentist specifically for the patient’s mouth, but they are also sold over the counter. They can cover only part of the teeth or cover a larger area such as all upper or lower teeth. Other types of splints and mouthpieces, including Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD), stabilize the mouth and jaw in a specific position and prevent clenching and grinding. MAD keeps the lower jaw forward and is commonly used to reduce chronic snoring.

d. Symptom relief

Another component of treatment is symptom relief to better manage sleep bruxism. Avoiding chewing gum and hard foods can reduce painful jaw movements. A hot compress or ice pack applied to the jaw may provide temporary pain relief. Facial exercises help some people relieve jaw or neck pain. Facial relaxation and massage of the head and neck area can further relieve muscle tension. A doctor or dentist can suggest specific exercises or make a referral to an experienced physical therapist or massage therapist.

C. The Effects Of Night-time Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is when people clench their jaws and rub their upper and lower teeth together. This often happens while people are sleeping, making the habit difficult to break. Bruxism can also occur while awake, although it is more common during sleep. Bruxism is not only a contributing factor to tooth decay and pain, it can even affect bone structure and facial muscles. People with severe bruxism sometimes break their teeth or interfere with restorative dental work.

If your bruxism is mild, you may not need treatment. In cases where grinding is causing pain, it is important to see your dentist. If you think you may be suffering from symptoms of bruxism, contact our dental office in NW Calgary today. We are happy to take care of your smile-related concerns. But first, familiarize yourself with everything you need to know about bruxism to determine if you have the condition.

1. The causes of bruxism

Bruxism is actually a modern day mystery. Doctors don’t really understand what causes bruxism, but many suspect it’s a result of many genetic, psychological, and physical factors. Sleep bruxism is believed to be caused by waking up from sleep, while waking bruxism can be caused by emotions such as fear or stress.

Here are some of the symptoms of bruxism:

1. Loud squeezing or grinding. You can tell if you’re sleeping with someone else and the sound will wake you up
2. Chipped, fractured, or flattened teeth
3. Tooth sensitivity or incessant pain
4. Damage to the inside of the cheeks from chewing
5. Weakened tooth enamel
6. Pain that seems to come from your ear
7. Headache beginning in temples
8. Sore jaw muscles or locked jaw
9. Sleep interrupted

It’s important to see a dentist if you routinely have any of these symptoms.

2. Factors that increase the risk of bruxism

A number of things can cause bruxism to occur. Stress is one of the biggest influencing factors. Other related emotions can also cause this, such as fear or anger. Your personality can even affect whether or not you struggle with bruxism. If you’re the competitive or hyperactive type, you’re more likely to develop the condition. Teeth grinding is more common in children and during childhood usually disappears in adulthood. Sleep bruxism is common if you have a family history of it. It is also commonly associated with mental disorders or medical conditions, such as:

1. Insanity
2. Parkinson’s disease
3. Epilepsy
4. Nightmares
5. Sleep apnea
6. ADHD

Although not common, teeth grinding can be a side effect of some medications, such as antidepressants. You are at increased risk of bruxism if:

1. Usually smoke
2. Drink alcohol
3. Use recreational drugs
4. Drink caffeine
5. Assessment and diagnosis

Bruxism is sometimes a slow progression, so your dentist may need to examine your teeth several times to determine if there are any noticeable changes in the structure of your teeth. From here they can determine if you need treatment or not. To determine your treatment request, your dentist will ask general questions about your oral health, daily routine, sleeping habits, and medications you are taking. They look for tenderness in the jaw muscles, damaged or broken teeth, or damage to the inside of the cheeks. A bruxism exam can even reveal some other conditions that can cause jaw pain. This is another reason why it is extremely important that you see a dentist if you are dealing with any of these symptoms.

3. Treatment of bruxism

Generally, people don’t need treatment for teeth grinding because it’s an outdated habit or doesn’t reach a level of severity that requires treatment. In severe cases, there are several dental procedures, medications, and therapies that help with the symptoms of bruxism:

1. Mouthguard or splints. These small tools are designed to separate teeth and prevent damage from crushing, rubbing and grinding. They are usually made of acrylic and are placed on the lower or upper teeth.
   If teeth grinding has resulted in increased tooth sensitivity or decreased chewing ability, your dentist may need to resurface those teeth or place crowns.
2. Muscle relaxants are often prescribed to people with bruxism. Your doctor may recommend taking them at bedtime.
3. In cases where bruxism is caused by a mental disorder, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants to help manage symptoms of anxiety or depression, thereby relieving symptoms of teeth grinding.
   Botox injections are helpful for people who don’t respond to other treatments. The injections freeze the jaw muscle, which helps it tighten and grind.

Fear is a common cause of teeth grinding. When treating anxiety, bruxism usually goes away as well. Engage in activities that promote relaxation or seek the help of a therapist.

4. Ways to treat bruxism at home

While it’s important that you see a dentist if you have these symptoms, here are some home remedies to relieve your discomfort before your dentist appointment:

1. Don’t drink caffeine or tea late at night and avoid drinking alcohol late. These substances can cause flare-ups of bruxism.
2. Make sure you have healthy sleeping habits. If you’re dealing with a sleep disorder, be sure to treat it as it can cause you to grind your teeth.
3. Manage your stress by doing things that relax you, like meditating or listening to music.
4. If you sleep with a partner, ask them to write down any grinding noises you might make while sleeping. If you have the opportunity to see a dentist, you can share this information with them.
5. Schedule regular dental check-ups. Many dental problems can be identified before they become serious if you visit your dentist frequently.