How bad is grinding your teeth while sleeping?

If you clench, gnash or grind your teeth while sleeping you are probably unaware you do. Formally known as bruxism, teeth grinding is a condition in which you may unconsciously clench your teeth when you’re asleep (sleep bruxism) or even while awake (awake bruxism).

Effects of grinding your teeth

While mild grinding of teeth may not cause many problems, chronically clenching and grinding teeth can lead to some serious dental issues, including cracks, wearing of and even tooth loss. Whether you are a clencher or a grinder, both can have bad effects on your teeth.  Clenching involves gritting your teeth together such as when you’re angry; grinding is moving your teeth back and forth, front and center which can wear down the surfaces of your teeth that can lead to future problems with tooth fractures or even bone loss around the roots of your teeth.

Most people who grind or clench their teeth typically do it at night while sleeping but either one can also be done while you’re awake.

Why do people grind or clench their teeth?

There are a number of reasons why a person grinds or clenches their teeth.  One of the biggest reasons is stress. It has been found that 70 percent of people clench and grind their teeth as a result of stress and anxiety. Stressful events such as college students studying for final exams or work stresses can be triggers for the grinding clenching habit.  It can also be caused by an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth.

Research has shown that bruxism is found more frequently in people who snore or suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and in people whose lifestyle includes smoking, drinking alcohol and caffeine.

Are their symptoms a person might notice if they grind their teeth at night?

There are certain symptoms you can be aware of particularly when you wake up – do you have a feeling of your mouth and muscles feel tired?  If so, this could be an indication of teeth grinding as it can lead to muscle fatigue. Headaches are another common symptom.  In fact, people who grind their teeth are three times more likely to suffer from headaches

Other symptoms might include enlargement of facial muscles, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort, stiffness of the shoulders and neck, ear pain, and sleep disorders. Your teeth may also show abnormal wear and mobility.

How is teeth grinding treated?

Treatment for teeth grinding depends on the cause. In order for a dentist to determine your best treatment plan, it is important to have them evaluate you by doing a comprehensive exam and from there, develop a plan specialized for you.

The primary way most cases of bruxism are treated is to wear an occlusal appliance. These appliances have different names, including splints, bite guards, plates and bruxism appliances. These devices are usually the best way to protect your teeth and prevent tooth wear and fracture.  They will need to be custom-made and specially fitted to fit over your top or bottom teeth.  Wearing one of these appliances will reduce jaw muscle pain and protect your teeth and temporomandibular joint. They are generally recommended to wear during the night.

If your teeth grinding is determined to be due to stress, then behavioral management is often recommended. Relaxation techniques, meditation and psychoanalysis can help manage stress an anxiety. Even hypnosis has been found to help relieve grinding of teeth. A study reported by the Bruxism Association found hypnosis to have positive long-term effects.  Sometimes a combination of behavior modification and occlusal appliances is necessary.