Have you ever woken up with a sore jaw or dull headache, and wondered why? You may be grinding your teeth while you sleep—a condition called bruxism. Many people are completely unaware that they have bruxism until the symptoms have already started to appear. Left alone, teeth grinding can harm your jaw and teeth quite a bit.
Fortunately, one can protect their smile using night guards in Glendale, when referred by a professional. In this blog, we will look at what causes teeth grinding at night, and the 7 signs you should never ignore.
What Is Teeth Grinding at Night?
Nighttime grinding of teeth, also called “sleep bruxism,” occurs when you clench, grind or gnash your teeth during sleep and may not even be aware of it happening. While some nighttime grinding may not be a significant issue, grinding your teeth regularly while asleep can lead to damage to your teeth, jaw, and health. People with sleep bruxism typically grind their teeth with enough force that they wear down tooth enamel, induce pain in the jaw or crack a tooth. Because sleep bruxism occurs during sleep, it can be difficult to assess until a dental exam catches the damage, or a person sharing their bed hears the grinding noise during the night.
What Causes Teeth Grinding While You Sleep?
Although no single reason for bruxism exists, the following could contribute:
- Stress & anxiety
- Sleep disorders (sleep apnea)
- Misalignment of teeth
- Medications/stimulants, such as caffeinated beverages
- History of other family members with bruxism
Mild pain or stiffness in the jaw muscles, often so mild you hardly notice it, may be early symptoms of bruxism. It can, over time, cause permanent damage when symptoms progress.
7 Signs of Nighttime Teeth Grinding
1. Jaw Pain or soreness in the mornings
Most commonly, waking up with pain or tightness in the jaw will be a sign of teeth grinding. The continuous grinding puts a lot of pressure on the right and left muscles of the jaw, leading to soreness and stiffness.
2. Regular headaches
Waking up with a dull headache in the morning, particularly on the side of the temples, could also result from bruxism. The tension in your jaws also produces tension in the head and forehead, affecting other muscle groups balancing the jaw.
3. Worn or flattened upper or lower teeth
Short or worn teeth are among the more evident indicators of bruxism. The constant grinding on the enamel, with these pressure points of the teeth, can wear away with pressure, leading to chipping or cracking of the outside of the teeth.
If you see that this type of damage has occurred, dental solutions for bruxism are needed, such as a dental retainer/sleeping mouth guard, or bite correction with braces or aligners.
4. Increased Tooth Sensitivity
Are your teeth sensitive to heat and cold recently? That might be because grinding has eroded the protective enamel, leaving the sensitive dentin exposed.
5. Poor Quality Sleep
Grinding often disrupts your sleep cycle. Even if you’re not aware of it, your body is under stress, and you may wake up tired even after a full night’s rest.
6. Cheek or Tongue Damage
Clenching and grinding can cause you to accidentally bite your cheeks or tongue. Repeated trauma may result in sores or rough patches inside your mouth.
7. Loose or Shifting Teeth
The pressure of grinding can actually loosen your teeth or shift them out of alignment. This is a serious sign that your teeth are under too much stress.
What You Should Do If You Notice These Signs
Don’t disregard these indicators if they seem familiar. Long-term harm can be avoided more easily if you act quickly.
- To begin, make an appointment for a comprehensive examination with your Glendale dentist, who will examine your jaw alignment, enamel wear, and other important signs of grinding.
- A custom-made night guard that cushions your teeth while you sleep is a popular and successful treatment.
- In addition to seeking professional assistance, you can take action at home by trying stress-reduction techniques like journaling, exercise, or meditation.
- Steer clear of chewing ice or pens, and limit alcohol and caffeine, especially right before bed.
- Additionally, keeping a consistent sleep schedule can ease tension at night.
Consulting a dental specialist about your condition will assist you in identifying the correct solution. If you think you are grinding your teeth, do something about it sooner rather than later.
Ready to stop the grind?
Teeth grinding may appear harmless, but it can cause long-term issues if not treated. Pain in the jaw, teeth sensitivity, constant headaches, and damage to teeth are all signs that should not be overlooked. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, the caring professionals at Dar Dental Care are here to help. We offer thorough evaluations and custom night guard solutions to stop grinding in its tracks. For a safe, personalized approach to managing bruxism, trust your local dentist in Glendale team who understands your needs.
