Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Bruxism can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and tooth damage. Find relief with our expert care today!
What is Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)?
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding or clenching teeth, often during sleep. It can cause dental problems like worn enamel, sensitive teeth, or even cracked teeth. Many people don’t know they have bruxism until they feel jaw pain or headaches. Early treatment is important to stop more damage.
There are two types of bruxism: awake bruxism and sleep bruxism. Awake bruxism is often linked to stress or anxiety, while sleep bruxism is a sleep-related movement disorder. At Somnium Sleep, we help diagnose and treat bruxism to improve your oral health and overall well-being.
Types of Bruxism
- Awake Bruxism: Awake bruxism happens during the day and is often caused by stress, anxiety, or focusing too hard. It usually involves clenching teeth, not grinding.
- Sleep Bruxism: Sleep bruxism happens at night and is a sleep-related movement disorder. It’s harder to notice because people don’t know they’re doing it.
Bruxism Causes
Bruxism can be caused by many things, like stress, anxiety, or lifestyle habits. Finding the cause is important for treatment. Here are five common causes.
- Stress and Anxiety: High stress is a major cause, especially for awake bruxism.
- Misaligned Teeth: Crooked teeth can lead to grinding.
- Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea are linked to sleep bruxism.
- Lifestyle Factors: Too much caffeine or alcohol can make bruxism worse.
- Medications: Some medicines, like antidepressants, may cause teeth grinding.
Bruxism Symptoms
Knowing the symptoms of bruxism is the first step to treatment. Here are five common signs.
- Worn or flattened teeth
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Morning headaches
- Earaches without an ear infection
- Increased tooth sensitivity
Effects of Teeth Grinding
If not treated, bruxism can harm your oral and overall health. Here are five possible effects.
- Tooth damage, like cracks or breaks
- TMJ disorders (jaw joint problems)
- Chronic jaw pain and headaches
- Sleep problems for you or your partner
- Higher risk of gum disease
How is Bruxism Diagnosed?
To diagnose bruxism, your dentist will check your teeth and ask about your symptoms. They may look for worn teeth, jaw pain, or other signs. At Somnium Sleep, we use advanced tools to find bruxism and its causes.
Sometimes, a sleep study is needed to diagnose sleep bruxism. This helps see if grinding is linked to other sleep problems. Early diagnosis is key to treatment and preventing long-term damage.
Bruxism Treatment
1. Mouth Guards
Custom guards protect teeth and reduce jaw strain.
2. Stress Reduction
Therapy, meditation, or relaxation can help.
3. Lifestyle Changes
Cutting back on caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco can help.
4. Medications
Muscle relaxants or anti-anxiety drugs may be prescribed.
5. Botox Injections
Botox can reduce muscle activity in severe cases.
How to Reduce Teeth Grinding?
Here are five tips to help reduce teeth grinding.
- Practice stress relief like yoga or meditation.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol, especially before bed.
- Use a warm compress to relax jaw muscles.
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule.
- Try a custom mouth guard from Somnium Sleep.
Where to Get Help for Bruxism Treatment?
Our Happy Patients Sleep Better Every Day
I came to this office with a serious sleeping problem to the point of going crazy. I had been unable to sleep properly for many months. Dr. Nabi helped me a lot with his diagnosis. Apart from being an excellent doctor, he was kind and very professional. Thank you, Dr. Nabi and team.
Emperatriz Rodriguez
Deborah Goben
Dr. Nabi has been my sleep doctor for years now. No one compares to the exceptional service Somnium provides.
Forest Manor
Exceptional service, this should be everyone's go-to sleep clinic! Dr. Nabi answered all my questions so kindly and made sure I was comfortable and well-informed prior to the sleep study. Highly recommend!
Mehvish Qureshi
Dr. Nabi is a very good doctor! I highly recommend visiting this clinic if you’re having any sleep issues.
Aminah S
I came to this office with a serious sleeping problem to the point of going crazy. I had been unable to sleep properly for many months. Dr. Nabi helped me a lot with his diagnosis. Apart from being an excellent doctor, he was kind and very professional. Thank you, Dr. Nabi and team.
Emperatriz Rodriguez
Deborah Goben
Dr. Nabi has been my sleep doctor for years now. No one compares to the exceptional service Somnium provides.
Forest Manor
Exceptional service, this should be everyone's go-to sleep clinic! Dr. Nabi answered all my questions so kindly and made sure I was comfortable and well-informed prior to the sleep study. Highly recommend!
Mehvish Qureshi
Dr. Nabi is a very good doctor! I highly recommend visiting this clinic if you’re having any sleep issues.
Aminah S
I came to this office with a serious sleeping problem to the point of going crazy. I had been unable to sleep properly for many months. Dr. Nabi helped me a lot with his diagnosis. Apart from being an excellent doctor, he was kind and very professional. Thank you, Dr. Nabi and team.
Emperatriz Rodriguez
Deborah Goben
Dr. Nabi has been my sleep doctor for years now. No one compares to the exceptional service Somnium provides.
Forest Manor
Exceptional service, this should be everyone's go-to sleep clinic! Dr. Nabi answered all my questions so kindly and made sure I was comfortable and well-informed prior to the sleep study. Highly recommend!
Mehvish Qureshi
Dr. Nabi is a very good doctor! I highly recommend visiting this clinic if you’re having any sleep issues.
Aminah S
I came to this office with a serious sleeping problem to the point of going crazy. I had been unable to sleep properly for many months. Dr. Nabi helped me a lot with his diagnosis. Apart from being an excellent doctor, he was kind and very professional. Thank you, Dr. Nabi and team.
Emperatriz Rodriguez
Deborah Goben
Dr. Nabi has been my sleep doctor for years now. No one compares to the exceptional service Somnium provides.
Forest Manor
Exceptional service, this should be everyone's go-to sleep clinic! Dr. Nabi answered all my questions so kindly and made sure I was comfortable and well-informed prior to the sleep study. Highly recommend!
Mehvish Qureshi
Dr. Nabi is a very good doctor! I highly recommend visiting this clinic if you’re having any sleep issues.
Aminah S
Why Choose Us?
Expert Staff
We have pulmonologists, sleep medicine physicians, and neurologists who have expertise in using the tools and the treatment and diagnoses related to sleep disorders.