Causes of Teeth Grinding During Sleep
Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, refers to the involuntary clenching and grinding of teeth against each other. Several factors contribute to nighttime teeth grinding, including the following:
Psychological Factors
Research suggests that approximately 70% of cases related to teeth grinding during sleep occur due to psychological disorders such as anxiety and stress. Certain personality types, including highly active, aggressive, and competitive individuals, may be more prone to bruxism. It is believed that teeth grinding serves as a natural response to stress, similar to other coping mechanisms like chewing on one’s cheek or lip, gnawing on foreign objects, or tooth tapping. For instance, children may grind their teeth as a reaction to pain from teething or earaches.
Sleep Arousal
Sleep arousal refers to periods during sleep when heart and respiratory activity increase, occurring about 15 times per hour during sleep. This heightened muscular activity often results in teeth grinding. Sleep arousal is commonly observed in individuals with breathing difficulties during sleep, such as those who snore or suffer from sleep apnea. Notably, in cases of sleep apnea, teeth grinding may occur as a muscle contraction response aimed at preventing airflow obstruction, putting these individuals at a higher risk for nighttime teeth grinding.
Other Contributing Factors
Several additional factors may lead to teeth grinding, including dental misalignment (malocclusion) and gastroesophageal reflux. Furthermore, conditions that elevate sleep arousal may exacerbate bruxism, such as antidepressant medications, stimulants like caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol.
Symptoms
The following signs and symptoms are indicative of teeth grinding:
- Damage to the inner lining of the cheeks due to biting.
- The partner in the same room waking up to the loud sounds of grinding.
- Worn-down or cracked teeth.
- Fatigue and pain in the jaw, face, and neck.
- Pain resembling earache, despite no actual ear issues.
- Shallow headaches starting from the sides of the head.
- Erosion of the enamel exposing the underlying layers of the teeth.
- Increased sensitivity and pain in the teeth.
- Jaw muscle fatigue or difficulty fully opening or closing the mouth.
Treatment Options
Several treatment options for bruxism include:
- Stress and anxiety management: This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral therapy or lifestyle adjustments that promote relaxation before bedtime, such as listening to soothing music, reading a book, or taking a warm bath.
- Dental treatment: Addressing damaged or missing teeth with dental restorations, such as crowns or veneers, can help adjust the biting surfaces and reduce teeth grinding.
- Night guards: A mouth guard designed for nighttime use functions similarly to those used in contact sports like boxing. These guards, made from plastic or rubber, separate the upper and lower teeth and evenly distribute pressure across the jaw to prevent dental damage from grinding.
- Medications: While medications are not typically the first line of treatment for bruxism, they can alleviate symptoms. Options include ibuprofen to reduce swelling around the jaw, muscle relaxants taken before sleep, or a doctor switching antidepressants if they exacerbate teeth grinding.