Grinding teeth in sleep is considered a movement disorder related to sleep. People who press or grind their teeth together during sleep (Brox) are more prone to other sleep disorders such as snoring and interrupted breathing (sleep apnea).
Mild teeth grinding may not need treatment. However, in some people, teeth grinding can be so frequent and severe that it leads to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth, and other problems.
Since you may have teeth grinding in your sleep and be unaware of it until complications develop, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of teeth grinding and seek regular dental care.
Table of Contents
Symptoms and signs of teeth grinding may include the following:
If you have any of the symptoms listed above or have other concerns about your teeth or jaw, see your dentist or doctor.
If you notice that your child grinds his teeth or has other symptoms of teeth grinding, be sure to mention it at your child's next dental appointment.
Doctors do not fully understand what causes teeth grinding, but it may be due to a combination of physical, psychological and genetic factors.
Awake teeth grinding may be due to emotions such as anxiety, stress, anger, frustration, or tension, or it may be a coping strategy or a habit during deep concentration.
Sleep grinding may be a sleep-related chewing activity associated with arousal during sleep.
These factors increase the risk of teeth grinding:
Pressure. Increased anxiety or stress, anger and frustration can also lead to teeth grinding.
Age. Grinding teeth is common in young children, but usually disappears in adulthood.
Personality type. Having an aggressive, competitive or hyperactive personality type can increase the risk of teeth grinding.
Medications and other substances. Grinding teeth may be an uncommon side effect of some psychiatric medications, such as some antidepressants. Smoking, drinking caffeinated beverages or alcohol, or using recreational drugs may increase the risk of teeth grinding.
Family members with sleep grinding usually run in families. If you have grinding teeth, other members of your family may also have grinding teeth or a history of it.
Other grinding disorders can be associated with certain medical and mental health disorders such as Parkinson's disease, dementia, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), epilepsy, night terrors, sleep-related disorders such as sleep apnea, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
In most cases, teeth grinding does not cause serious complications. But severe teeth grinding may lead to the following:
When these cases occur, it is better to see a doctor.
Search engine optimization (SEO) services help you to rank your website higher in the search results of Google and other search engines.
Digital branding means creating a strong and distinctive brand in the digital space for a company or a specific product. This process involves using digital methods and strategies to build and strengthen the brand.
Website design for companies and businesses can help you have a stronger online presence and attract more customers. Contact us for more information.