What is Teeth Grinding in Sleep?
Teeth grinding in Sleep is a condition called bruxism. Although bruxism generally involves grinding of the teeth, clenching of the teeth could also be a symptom. Most times the grinding is done unconsciously, but sometimes it also happens in a conscious state.
Of course many of those who suffer from bruxism during their sleep don’t know about their habit, although their partners or roommates might, and it could also be something that embarrasses you if you’re going to sleep when there are other people around. It might sound a bit like snoring, although it can be a bit more disturbing, especially when bruxism develops in children.
Causes of Teeth Grinding in Sleep
The causes of grinding teeth during sleep, or bruxism, are not yet completely understood. Although common factors that show up with this occurrence are anxiety and stress. Sometimes stress from everyday life could even be a trigger to an individuals bruxism, especially if they’re overstressed. Aside from that, other probable causes for the teeth clenching and grinding have been identified as bad posture, misaligned teeth, diet or eating disorders, sleeping habits, a persons ability to relax, development of the jaws in children, and in some cases even just suppressed frustration and anger could be triggers for bruxism.
Aggressive and hyperactive individuals are also more likely to experience teeth grinding during their sleep. More often, bruxism occurs during a persons childhood, but it often dissipates on its own when they enter their adolescence.
How to deal with Bruxism
Bruxism will not only disturb your roommate or partners sleeping habits but it can also cause harm to your teeth and sometimes even pain. To avoid these things, there are certain ways to deal with bruxism.
There are some things you can try to stop your teeth grinding such as relaxation techniques like meditation, a massage, and even relieving your daily stress can help. Learn exercises that can help you release your stress. Simple relaxation techniques such as relaxing your jaw and facial muscles could also help you relieve stress. Try massaging your jaw muscles and the surrounding areas so that you can relieve tension.
Using a mouth guard or splint is an option you can consider to help you stop the bruxism, or at least to help protect your teeth from this harmful habit. A splint can also be helpful in preventing any clenching of your teeth while you sleep, although it doesn’t work for everyone. You should try many of the different types of splints since there are many options and some might be effective on your teeth while others are not.
If your teeth are misaligned, then you might want to look to your orthodontist for some advise regarding your bite pattern.
Other than that, you should also pay close attention to your diet and try to avoid unhealthy foods. Making sure that you get enough water on a daily basis and a good night sleep can help as well. All of what we covered will aid you in over coming your teeth grinding in sleep.
It’s also wouldn’t hurt to try self-hypnosis, which is a well known technique in overcoming this disorder.
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