According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), mild or occasional bruxism isn't always a health problem, but frequent and severe bruxism can affect the teeth and jaw.
What is the main reason for grinding teeth during sleep ?
There's no single, definitive cause for teeth grinding in sleep. Medical evidence suggests it may be linked to a combination of factors. Stress and anxiety are associated with awake bruxism, while sleep bruxism is linked to brain activity and minor sleep disruptions. According to the Mayo Clinic, it may be due to a combination of physical, psychological, and genetic factors.
Poor sleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, and certain sleep-related disorders may also play a role. According to Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, stress, anxiety, and sleep problems can increase sleep bruxism. Caffeine, alcohol, and smoking may also increase the risk in some people, according to the same source.
However, it's not accurate to say that stress is the sole cause of teeth grinding in every individual. A recent study published in the American Dental Association found that insomnia and emotional distress are not as directly linked to sleep bruxism as often assumed. Therefore, clinical evaluation of individual causes is important.
How do you know if you grind your teeth in your sleep ?
Sometimes, a person learns about it from family or friends who hear the sound of teeth grinding at night. Additionally, symptoms may include jaw pain or stiffness upon waking, facial muscle fatigue, headaches, and tooth pain or sensitivity. Persistent and severe bruxism can wear down tooth surfaces and crack enamel or damage teeth and dental restorations.
Therefore, it's not advisable to assume that noise alone indicates a problem. Your dentist can assess the condition by checking for tooth wear and other signs.
Is teeth grinding dangerous ?
Not in every case. According to the NIDCR, in many cases, bruxism is mild and doesn't require any specific treatment. However, if it's persistent and severe, it can cause problems like tooth damage, jaw pain, headaches, and sleep disruption.
Therefore, there is no need to be unnecessarily afraid of this and it is also not appropriate to ignore the symptoms that occur continuously.
How to get rid of teeth grinding ?
It's important to first understand the cause and severity. If the problem is related to stress or poor sleep, a regular sleep schedule, adequate sleep, and healthy stress-reducing habits can help. Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and smoking may also be helpful in some people.
If tooth damage or jaw pain is occurring, it's best to consult a dentist. Your doctor or dentist may recommend a night guard or other dental treatment as needed. Mouth guards are primarily intended to protect teeth from grinding damage and control symptoms; they don't necessarily eliminate the underlying cause of bruxism in every individual.
If the doctor suspects a sleep disorder or other health problem, further testing or consultation with a relevant specialist may be required.
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