Teeth grinding during sleep is a common problem. The sharp grinding sound not only disturbs others but also harms dental health. Why do people grind their teeth in their sleep? What causes children to grind their teeth in their sleep? Here are 6 self-improvement tips to help you solve teeth grinding issues.
What causes teeth grinding during sleep?
Teeth grinding during sleep mostly occurs when sleep stages change, specifically when transitioning from deep sleep to light sleep. The exact causes of teeth grinding during sleep are still unclear, but possible reasons include:
- High stress levels
- Excessive muscle tension
- Restless legs syndrome
- Smoking or consuming too much alcohol and caffeine
- Medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used for depression
- Snoring or sleep apnea
Teeth grinding during sleep is associated with sleep apnea. However, for those who grind their teeth, sleep apnea is usually mild because the mouth muscles open during grinding, allowing oxygen to enter and stopping the apnea. Some studies also suggest that teeth grinding during sleep is a self-protective behavior; when breathing stops, the brain sends signals to move the jaw through grinding, opening the airway and resuming breathing.
Which department should I consult for teeth grinding during sleep?
For teeth grinding during sleep, you can consult a psychiatrist, a sleep specialist, or a dentist.
What causes teeth grinding in children?
Teeth grinding during sleep affects not only adults but also children. Statistics show that approximately 15-33% of children grind their teeth, which is more common than in adults. However, unlike adults, whose grinding mostly occurs during sleep stage changes, children's grinding happens during deep sleep.
Possible causes of teeth grinding in children include:
- Malocclusion, teething, shedding of primary teeth, or eruption of permanent teeth.
- Academic anxiety, pressure from social interactions.
- A 2021 study published in "Sleep Medicine: X" found that excessive sugar intake, prolonged use of digital devices, and extended screen time in children can alter brain neurotransmission, leading to teeth grinding.
What are the consequences of teeth grinding during sleep?
Teeth grinding during sleep not only creates loud noises and disturbs bed partners but also has many negative consequences. Dr. Tsai Chi-ying, an attending oral surgeon at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, points out the common consequences:
- Tooth wear, enamel damage, even exposure of dentin, which can lead to tooth sensitivity.
- Pain in the temporomandibular joint of the jaw.
- Chewing muscle pain.
According to Mayo Clinic, possible consequences and symptoms also include:
- Ear pain
- Headaches
- Stiff neck and shoulders
- Poor sleep quality
How to treat teeth grinding during sleep?
Many times, teeth grinding does not require treatment. In children, teeth grinding is often a normal physiological phenomenon that gradually disappears with age; for adults, if the grinding is not too severe or does not cause temporomandibular joint problems, treatment may not be necessary. However, if the situation is severe, teeth grinding during sleep can be treated with medication and dental procedures, primarily to prevent grinding and the damage it causes:
- Medication: According to Mayo Clinic, medication options include muscle relaxants, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, Botox injections, and pain relievers. If temporomandibular joint pain occurs, pain relievers can provide temporary relief, but it's crucial to seek medical attention.
- Dental treatment: Dr. Tsai Chi-ying points out that dental treatment for teeth grinding during sleep involves wearing an occlusal splint (night guard). This custom-made hard plastic appliance fits over the teeth and is worn during sleep. However, Dr. Tsai notes that unless temporomandibular joint inflammation is diagnosed, the occlusal splint is usually self-funded. The cost of an occlusal splint ranges from NT$4,000 to NT$10,000. When first wearing an occlusal splint, there might be a feeling of a foreign object in the mouth and increased salivation, but these symptoms usually improve after wearing it for some time.
6 tips to improve teeth grinding during sleep
In addition to treatment, consider changing other lifestyle habits, such as:
- Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption.
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid intense exercise before bed.
- Keep the sleeping environment quiet and dark.
- Reduce stress.
- If you experience jaw soreness or discomfort in the temporomandibular joint, avoid hard, chewy, or large-bite foods, such as nuts, corn on the cob, guava, bagels, and chewing gum.
Original text:
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