Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is often done unconsciously during sleep and can be caused by stress, an abnormal bite, medical conditions, or sleeping position. It can cause damage to teeth and lead to secondary conditions, but can be treated with stress-reducing techniques, therapy, or a custom-fit night guard.
Bruxism is the medical term used to refer to people who habitually grind their teeth or clench their jaw. However, most bruxers are completely unaware that they grind their teeth simply because they do it while they sleep at night. In fact, the behavior usually comes to light after being observed by a sleep partner or other family member. There are telltale clues that a dentist may notice when inspecting your mouth, such as abnormal tooth wear.
There are many reasons as to why a person might grind their teeth. However, it seems that stress and anxiety are the main culprits. Many people resolve their frustrations by having their jaw work while they sleep, perhaps in response to the dream or in an attempt to model a conversation held earlier in the day. In fact, people who tend to talk in their sleep may also be prone to teeth grinding.
The second most common reason for teeth grinding is having an abnormal bite. This situation could be attributed to crooked or missing teeth, or even an active cavity or abscess. Dental appliances can also play a role. For example, wearing full or partial dentures to bed might cause minor irritation that resolves with teeth grinding.
Some medical conditions can also create an urge to grind your teeth while you sleep. For example, studies have shown that bruxism is more common in people with sleep apnea. The involuntary movements experienced with Parkinson’s disease can also contribute to this condition. Studies have also shown that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) taken for depression can also lead to involuntary movements as they stimulate the central nervous system. Additionally, consuming alcohol or caffeine before retiring can also encourage random muscle activity.
Finally, your sleeping position may be at the root of the problem. Stomach or side sleepers are more prone to teeth grinding than back sleepers. So, simply changing positions or even moving to the other side of the mattress can help put the bruxism to bed.
Of course, teeth grinding isn’t a particularly attractive or desirable habit. To make matters worse, this activity can cause significant damage to your teeth. In addition to consuming them, it can promote bone loss and eventually cause tooth loss. Bruxism can also lead to secondary conditions, such as temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) or myofacial pain disorders (MPD). In rare cases, it can even lead to permanent hearing loss.
Stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation, can help fight nighttime teeth grinding. For some people, cognitive behavioral therapy is helpful. Others respond better to tightened suppression devices. However, while it might be tempting to be without a night watchman on the counter, don’t. An improperly mounted night watchman can do more harm than good. If a night watch becomes necessary, it would be best to visit a dentist to get a custom fit.
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