Is it normal to grind teeth while sleeping

Page last reviewed: 04 May Next review due: 04 May Overview - Teeth grinding bruxism Contents Overview Treatment. It often happens during sleep, or while concentrating or under stress. Symptoms of teeth grinding Symptoms of teeth grinding include: facial pain headaches earache pain and stiffness in the jaw joint temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles, which can lead to temporomandibular disorder TMD disrupted sleep for you or your partner worn-down teeth, which can lead to increased sensitivity and even tooth loss broken teeth or fillings Facial pain and headaches often disappear when you stop grinding your teeth.

Tooth damage usually only happens in severe cases and may need treatment. When to see a dentist or GP See a dentist if: your teeth are worn, damaged or sensitive your jaw, face or ear is painful your partner says you make a grinding sound in your sleep The dentist will check your teeth and jaw for signs of teeth grinding. Treating teeth grinding There are a number of treatments for teeth grinding. What causes teeth grinding?

Stress and anxiety Teeth grinding is most often caused by stress or anxiety and many people are not aware they do it. Medicines Teeth grinding can sometimes be a side effect of taking certain types of medicine. Sleep disorders If you snore or have a sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnoea OSA , you're more likely to grind your teeth while you sleep. You're also more likely to grind your teeth if you: talk or mumble while asleep behave violently while asleep, such as kicking out or punching have sleep paralysis , a temporary inability to move or speak while waking up or falling asleep have hallucinations , where you see or hear things that are not real, while semi-conscious Lifestyle Other factors that can make teeth grinding more likely, or make it worse, include: drinking alcohol smoking using recreational drugs , such as ecstasy and cocaine having lots of caffeinated drinks, such as tea or coffee 6 or more cups a day Teeth grinding in children Teeth grinding can also affect children.

Skip to content. Why the grinding? Also, tobacco, caffeine, alcohol, and illicit drugs can increase teeth-grinding risk. Based on the patient's specific symptoms and stressors, physicians may take the following approaches: Medication: Muscle relaxers can help relax the jaw and stop nighttime grinding. If you take certain antidepressants that put you at risk for teeth grinding, a doctor might switch your prescription to one that doesn't.

A doctor might also start you on antidepressants that don't come with the risk of bruxism if the medication could help you cope with stressors that cause you to grind your teeth. Procedures: Botox injections paralyze the jaw muscles that are used during teeth grinding.

Omrani says the treatment, though not approved by the Food and Drug Administration or covered by insurance, has been used since the s and is safe, very effective, and doesn't change the appearance of the face. Behavioral strategies: Psychologists at the Pain Center work with patients to identify triggers and address them through stress management and relaxation training.

Scott uses biofeedback to monitor muscle tension and to demonstrate the relaxing effects of calming techniques and stretches on the jaw, neck, and head. Tags: Expert Advice. Popular Categories. Popular Topics.

Bruxism BRUK-siz-um is a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. If you have bruxism, you may unconsciously clench your teeth when you're awake awake bruxism or clench or grind them during sleep sleep bruxism. Sleep bruxism is considered a sleep-related movement disorder.

People who clench or grind their teeth brux during sleep are more likely to have other sleep disorders, such as snoring and pauses in breathing sleep apnea. Mild bruxism may not require treatment. However, in some people, bruxism can be frequent and severe enough to lead to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth and other problems. Because you may have sleep bruxism and be unaware of it until complications develop, it's important to know the signs and symptoms of bruxism and to seek regular dental care.

See your dentist or doctor if you have any of the symptoms listed above or have other concerns about your teeth or jaw. If you notice that your child is grinding his or her teeth — or has other signs or symptoms of bruxism — be sure to mention it at your child's next dental appointment. Doctors don't completely understand what causes bruxism, but it may be due to a combination of physical, psychological and genetic factors.

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