Teeth Grinding

Do You Experience Teeth Grinding When you Sleep?

Sometimes, you experience teeth grinding in your sleep and are not aware of it. There are some signs to warn you of teeth grinding. It may seem insignificant, but it can lead to serious problems with your teeth.

Common Symptoms of Teeth Grinding

There are a few symptoms that indicate you are teeth grinding. The most common symptom is having a lot of headaches. These types of headaches are usually dull and start in the area of the temples. You may also experience muscle pains or the facial muscles may enlarge. For some people, the fist symptom is jaw discomfort. For others, it is pain or stiffness around the neck and shoulders area. Ear pain and different sleep disorders can also be a sign. If left untreated, there can be visible wear and tear on the teeth and this can lead to fractured teeth or the loss of teeth.

Common Causes of Teeth Grinding

Each person has different reasons behind the grinding of teeth. It can be caused by anxiety or stress. However, sleep disorders and depression can also cause some people to grind their teeth in their sleep. Some research has indicated that those who snore or those who suffer from sleep apnea may be more likely to grind their teeth. Smoking, caffeine, or heavy alcohol use can also be factors.

Common Treatment for Teeth Grinding

The treatment of choice will depend largely on the cause. For instance, treating depression or anxiety might help. There are also appliances that may be useful for stopping the damage to your teeth. These go by different names including an occlusal splint, bite guard, night guard or a bite plate are common names. They are custom made to fit your bite. Appliances will not stop teeth grinding, but they will protect the teeth from further damage.