Grinding Teeth While Sleep
Do you know the exact medical term for grinding teeth? Grinding our teeth can come with a complicated series of issues, the term “bruxism” is the official medical word. The exact terminology happens to cover the entire base of what happens when grinding your teeth becomes routine in your life. There are a number of primary reasons and solutions for why anyone grinds their teeth, we will discuss this further below. However, do not be alarmed, always check in with your orthodontist if you notice pain, numbness, or red gums around the teeth.
One common association for grinding teeth while sleep is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder. Individuals with GERD may experience acid reflux, which can lead to the erosion of tooth enamel and increase the likelihood of teeth grinding during sleep.
What has been found out about ADHD is that different medications for this mood disorder have been linked to bruxism. People with ADHD may exhibit teeth grinding as a symptom of their condition, especially during stressful or hyperactive episodes.
Night terrors or nightmares can trigger bruxism in some individuals. The emotional turmoil and anxiety associated with these nighttime experiences may manifest as teeth-grinding while asleep.
Consuming excessive caffeine or alcohol can exacerbate bruxism. You can expect these substances to disrupt sleep patterns, leading to more frequent grinding episodes, especially if consumed close to bedtime.
Smoking is yet another potential contributor to bruxism. Smoking has become one of the more common reasons for teeth grinding. This could be because an individual is receiving too much nicotine in a single day. This would act similar to someone who has had 8 cups of coffee in a day. This is too harsh on the body and can cause reactions such as teeth grinding, which results in the loss of sleep. No one what to lose sleep.
Certain medications designed to stabilize mood, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, may list bruxism as a side effect. Be sure to look up if any medication you are taking could be the cause. Anyone experiencing this should bring this to the attention of your doctor to combat this issue.
Clenching teeth during sleep
Common elements partner together while sleep occurs. Wether these issues are distressing dreams, sleep paralysis, anxiety before falling asleep, and an unsteady environment. Not many know about the worldwide issue of grinding teeth, and how it affects 10% of the population. Grinding teeth as someone falls asleep can lead to teeth fractures, gum pain or bleeding, damaged enamel, earache, tight jaw muscles, and sensitivity.
Most individuals will have an inkling if they are grinding their teeth at night, by having a family member notice an audible sound when the person is asleep. This sound can be clacking, popping, crunching, or scrapping.
If someone suspects that they are grinding their teeth, they are unsure. Booking an appointment to get a checkup would be your best option. This will also ensure to an individual that no damage has occurred. If so, a variety of options to help stop teeth grinding is available.
How to prevent teeth clenching
Typically, teeth clenching is a result of not relaxing. Staying calm while enjoying a warm bath or a good movie. This is more anxiety-induced, and massaging the jaw would be needed at least twice a day.
Pay attention to when you’re sitting and looking at your phone if you’re jaw is clenching more than normal. This would include sore muscles and the feeling of the muscles being tight. If so, then this is a good indicator that grinding your teeth in your sleep is, in fact, happening.
Fix grinding teeth
Oddly enough there are many ways to prevent and fix grinding teeth at home. That is if you have recently started grinding your teeth.
Have you recently changed an aspect of your lifestyle? This can include not enough exercise, not getting enough sleep, and finding ways to relax before bed. From the National Institute of Health, there were three studies evaluated to show that stress did elevate the chances of grinding teeth while sleep. The medical article even states that patients have shared that they experienced more anxiety and depression after they had been grinding their teeth for a few months.
If you are wondering what orthodontic procedure can fix grinding teeth, that would be either getting Invisalign or braces. Some people don’t know that their jaw is misaligned and this can be causing an even worse cause of bruxism. In extreme cases, oral surgery will be needed.
Sleeping mouthguard for braces
Buying a mouthguard will be the best solution if you are experiencing painful teeth grinding but have not sustained damage to the teeth. This will be one of the first fixes an individual can look for, and buy. Sleeping a mouthguard for braces will be the way to prevent extreme pain or fracturing a tooth.
Be sure to schedule an appointment, and you can visit our “book an appointment” online which is located in the top right-hand corner of the website.
Be Sure To Use This Contact Information
Amazing Smiles Orthodontics can be reached by email or telephone:
100-25 Queens Boulevard
— (718) 275-3200
— amazingsmilesnyc@gmail.com
Our office hours are on certain days and times, so be sure to check the website for your location.
Did you know that at Amazing Smiles, our dedication has been three decades of care and respect for our clients. With our Forest Hills, Queens, location we do look forward to the best technology available to assist every client with the correct options available. We can’t believe we have a record combined 40 years of experience, however, this is what drives us to continue our progressive oral health care, along with affordable and exemplary service.