If you’re noticing face soreness, tooth sensitivity, or a tight jaw when waking up, you may be grinding your teeth while sleeping. This issue is also called bruxism, and it’s fairly common, yet many people understand little about why it occurs and how a dentist can help. Here’s what you need to know. 

What Causes Teeth Grinding?  

Worry and stress can contribute to grinding, which will wear down the teeth. When you feel anxious during the day, it may not disappear while you sleep. Instead, you may clench your jaw, moving it back and forth throughout the night. Difficult emotional states can often lead to physical manifestations, and grinding is a common one. 

Certain medical conditions and medications can also contribute to grinding, including antidepressants, Huntington’s disease, sleep apnea, and acid reflux.

Finally, common tooth problems may be at play. For example, misalignment, as well as crooked or missing teeth, can contribute. Additionally, the bottom and top teeth may not meet properly when the mouth opens and closes; this may be caused by muscle spasms, which can result in nighttime grinding. 

How Can You Stop Grinding? 

Treating bruxism properly will depend on identifying the cause. If the issue is anxiety and stress, breathing deeply, meditating, and drinking decaf tea before bed will help. 

If the problem is due to tooth issues or medical conditions, wearing a mouth guard at night is ideal. This solution will prevent fractures and wear on your smile, keeping tooth sensitivity at bay. While you can buy a mouth guard at a typical pharmacy, getting a custom-made option is more effective. It’ll fit perfectly over the top and bottom teeth, and it can be adjusted for comfort. 

If you’re dealing with teeth grinding, contact Dental Clinic of Onalaska. Serving La Crosse County, WI, their dentists have been working with patients since 1993. They’ll identify the root of the problem and provide a solution, such as a custom-made mouth guard. If there’s any wear on the teeth or fractures, they offer affordable dental work, as well as fluoride treatments to prevent sensitivity. Call (608) 783-3341 to set up an appointment with a dentist, and head to their website to learn more about their services.