The term dentists use to describe clenching or grinding your teeth is bruxism. It's a pretty common condition, affecting about 10% of the population, according to the American Sleep Association. This unfortunate behavior can cause a lot of problems for people such as having a chronically sore jaw, waking up your partner with grinding noises, and serious oral health complication.
Some people grind or clench their teeth in their sleep and don't even know it. If you wake up in the morning with any of the following, you may be experiencing bruxism in your sleep:
- Painful headaches when you first wake up
- Finding chipped or cracked teeth
- Loose teeth
- Bite marks or cuts on your tongue
Fortunately, dentists have a wide range of tools to treat this condition, but other health professionals can also help if the problem is caused by stress. If you're experiencing bruxism, try the following:
Ask Your Dentist about a Custom Mouthguard
A dentist is going to be one of your best resources for treating bruxism. Many dentists work with labs to make people custom mouthguards. These can be created for a variety of reasons. Athletics and teeth grinding are two of the top reasons to talk to your dentist about how a mouthguard can help keep your oral health in top shape.
Additionally, many dentists are able to create appliances to help a person stop grinding their teeth in their sleep, which helps keep the jaw and teeth healthy.
Consider Talking to Your Primary Care Physician
If you're concerned there may be a physical health reason for your bruxism, consider asking your primary care physician during your next appointment if he or she sees any reason for it. If your bruxism is interrupting your sleep, a doctor may notice things like elevated blood pressure, signs within the mouth that it's occurring, or irregular test results (e.g. blood tests or hormone levels).
If the Problem Is Stress or Anxiety, a Mental Health Professional Can Help
One of the most common reasons people experience bruxism is stress or anxiety. A mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychotherapist, may be able to help you learn techniques to reduce your stress or anxiety levels. Many psychological studies have proven techniques such as mindfulness and meditation effective for reducing stress and anxiety levels.
Thanks for Reading!
To reduce the occurrence of bruxism, many health professionals will recommend a variety of relaxation techniques before bed, such as taking a warm bath, listening to soft music, or practicing yoga. If you're experiencing this condition, we urge you to take steps to stop it before you do serious damage to your teeth or jaw.
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