Teeth clenching at night, known as nocturnal bruxism, can be caused by stress, medication, sleep disorders, and misaligned teeth. It can lead to teeth damage, jaw pain, and headaches. Treatment involves reducing stress, correcting misaligned teeth, and using a splint or night guard.
Teeth clenching at night typically occurs as part of a condition known as nocturnal bruxism. Sleep bruxism is grinding and clenching of the teeth during sleep. The condition can be primary, when it occurs on its own, or secondary, when it results from an existing medical problem. While the precise cause of bruxism and clenching of teeth at night is not known, the disorder is thought to be associated with increased stress and to be found more frequently in aggressive and competitive personality types. The use of some medications, such as antidepressants, can be a cause, as can sleep disturbances, Parkinson’s disease, and misaligned teeth.
In addition to being associated with the use of legal drugs, such as antidepressants, clenching of teeth during sleep is also related to the use of illegal drugs, such as ecstasy and cocaine. Excessive use of caffeine, alcohol or tobacco can also increase the risk of bruxism and clenching of the teeth. In cases where the degree of teeth grinding and clenching at night is relatively mild, the use of one of these substances could aggravate the problem.
A number of sleep disorders are linked to teeth clenching and bruxism. Research has shown that most episodes of bruxism occur in clusters and appear to occur in response to what are known as awakenings, where a person wakes up briefly. In the disorder called obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, awakenings result from long pauses in breathing. These periods where breathing stops tend to be followed by teeth grinding and clenching, along with huffing or mumbling. Of all sleep disorders, OSA is the one most frequently associated with teeth grinding and clenching at night.
Depression and anxiety are often linked to bruxism. Many sufferers find that episodes of teeth grinding and clenching at night coincide with periods of increased worry and stress. A tendency to repress feelings of anger is another possible cause, and people with forceful, perfectionist, or compulsive personality traits may be more at risk.
The consequences of bruxism depend on the severity of the condition. Generally, teeth wear down and become damaged over time. Both fillings and teeth can break, and jaw pain and headaches can occur. Loss of the protective enamel on your teeth can make them sensitive and painful. Jaw movement can be affected and jaw muscles can become thicker.
Treatment of bruxism involves finding ways to minimize teeth grinding and clenching. Possible therapies include reducing stress and learning relaxation techniques. Biofeedback and hypnosis can be helpful. Misaligned teeth may need to be corrected, and a splint or night guard may be worn over the teeth while sleeping.
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