Nighttime Teeth Grinding Can Hurt More Than Just Teeth!

Teeth grinding at night, also called bruxism, is a common medical condition many people have. It is caused by clenching one’s jaw during sleep and moving the jaw around. In fact, many people are not even aware that they grind their teeth at night, especially if they sleep alone. A spouse or partner will often mention it, as teeth grinding can be annoying when one is trying to sleep. But without a partner to mention it, how can it be diagnosed?

Common symptoms of nighttime teeth grinding include tiredness in the morning, dull headaches, neck pain, jaw pain and tooth pain. Other symptoms can include tooth sensitivity, difficulty in opening and closing the jaw, unexplained wear on the surfaces of the teeth, and areas on the tongue and inner cheek that have been inexplicably chewed.

There are many conditions that can cause nighttime teeth grinding. Generalized anxiety and stress are probably the most common ones. Other causes are frustration or being upset or worried about a particular thing and not being able to express it verbally. People with naturally aggressive personalities also tend to grind their teeth at night.

Physical disorders can also cause nighttime teeth grinding. If a person’s upper and lower teeth are not properly aligned, they may be prone to grinding their teeth while sleeping. Abnormal teeth and jaw development can also be a cause, especially in younger people whose bones are not fully developed. Neurological conditions, such as Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease, can also attribute to this.

Nighttime teeth grinding can also be caused by certain medications, including some antidepressants, antipsychotics and SSRIs. Illegal drugs such as methamphetamines, cocaine and MDMA (ecstasy) have also been known to contribute to teeth grinding at night.

If teeth grinding at night continues for a long period of time, it can lead to permanent damage of the teeth and even the face. Cracks and chips on the teeth can occur. The teeth can be worn down to nubs, which will then affect the entire facial structure, causing it to look prematurely aged.

The best and most simple solution to bruxism is to get a dental nightguard (also known as mouth guards). Over the counter nightguards can be purchased online or at pharmacies. However, studies have shown that these generic products can actually worsen the condition, because everyone’s teeth are very different, and as with brassieres or prescription eyeglasses, one size does not fit all. Generic dental mouth guards have also been known to be uncomfortable, often tend to crack or break and often tend to fall off during the night. They also have to be replaced periodically, resulting in additional unnecessary expense.

Custom dental nightguards are the only way to truly and properly address nighttime teeth grinding. A good dentist that specializes in cosmetic dentistry or orthodontics will make an impression of the teeth using a soft molding material. This impression will be sent to a professional lab, where durable, pharmaceutical grade materials will be used to make a high quality customized dental nightguard. 

A custom dental nightguard will not only prevent further damage to the teeth during sleep, it will be comfortable and not tend to fall off during the night. It will ensure a good night’s sleep as well. Customized dental nightguards are a bit more costly than generic ones, but in the long run, a much better deal for both the pocketbook and of course the mouth.

570-342-9136