Share:

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a subconscious behavior that affects people of all ages. While bruxism can cause worn-down teeth, jaw tension, and head and ear aches, family dentists say it’s treatable. You can take many steps to prevent bruxism, but first, you need to understand its causes. Here are four common reasons you may grind your teeth at night.

Why Do You Grind Your Teeth At Night?  

Sleep Disorders 

Sleep disorders, including insomnia, snoring, nighttime acid reflux, and sleep apnea, can all cause bruxism. These conditions put stress on the body, making it difficult to achieve deep sleep. Teeth grating often occurs in the lighter sleep stages. Treating your sleep disorder can alleviate bruxism and relieve your teeth of excess and harsh grinding. 

Stress or Anxiety

familydentistStress and anxiety can take a toll on your body in many ways. In fact, both conditions are leading causes of teeth grinding, with 70% of people experiencing bruxism as a result. It’s particularly common at night because you cannot employ relief techniques while you sleep. To eliminate emotional tension and aggression, your nervous system prompts your jaw to grind. To relieve this, try massaging your jaws with a warm washcloth before bed to relax the facial muscles and release tension. Putting a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillowcase is an aromatherapy technique that may also help you relax before bedtime.

Oral Health Issues 

Certain oral health issues can also contribute to teeth grinding, including missing, crowded, crooked, or otherwise misaligned teeth. As these problems place a great amount of stress on the jawbone, bruxism is a result of your body’s attempt to realign your teeth. A family dentist can solve these issues with treatments such as a dental implant, a bridge, or a retainer. 

Medication

Certain medications, including those used to treat depression and anxiety, can also cause bruxism. Some medication impacts brain chemistry, leading to different neurological responses. In addition to bruxism, some people experience a clenched jaw as a side effect. Talk to your doctor about alternative medications if you experience severe teeth grinding. Your family dentist may also recommend a nighttime mouth guard to help protect your teeth. 

 

If you’re experiencing nighttime bruxism, experienced family dentists at Drs Bradford and Catchings Family Dentistry in Augusta County, VA, can provide the right treatment for you. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you can begin to enjoy restful sleep and better overall health. The practice offers a broad range of services, including bruxism treatment, routine dental exams and cosmetic dentistry. Call (540) 213-1966 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about the family dentists. 

tracking