Have you ever woken up with a sore jaw or a headache? You might be grinding your teeth at night, and not even know it. In addition to a painful jaw, teeth grinding has hidden dangers. Known also as bruxism, this situation occurs when you clench your jaw unconsciously and begin to grind your teeth. Your teeth should only come together when they’re busy chewing food. Bruxism might be a sign of an underlying health issue, and it can also cause potentially serious problems, in addition to sore mouth or migraine headache first thing in the morning.
How Do I Know If I’ve Been Grinding My Teeth?
If you or your partner isn’t woken up by the sound of grinding teeth, other telltale signs include an achy or stiff jaw, worn-down teeth or chipped teeth, earaches, headaches, increased tooth sensitivity or chronic pain in the facial area due to tissue inside the mouth that has been chewed.
Possible Causes of Teeth Grinding
Stress is the most common cause of teeth grinding. If you’re anxious, angry or frustrated, once asleep you might start to grind your teeth. Hyperactive or aggressive people are also at greater risk. There may be a misalignment of the teeth that causes bruxism. Though not as common, it can also be a side effect associated with psychiatric medications and certain antidepressants, or a symptom of Huntington’s disease or Parkinson’s disease.
Is Teeth Grinding Dangerous?
Grinding your teeth can cause tooth damage and symptoms such as headaches, facial pain and earaches. In some cases, a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) might develop. There are more serious medical conditions that can occur that go beyond oral health. According to research, it is believed that there is a relationship between teeth grinding and long-term cardiovascular health. This is due to the fact that prolonged stress is a main cause of bruxism, and stress can adversely affect heart health.
The Connection Between Bruxism and Sleep Apnea
In addition to hypertension and stress, another high risk factor for grinding teeth is obstructed sleep apnea (OSA). It has been found in studies that treating a patient for OSA will also eliminate tooth grinding. In this case, a hidden danger of bruxism is that it might be an indication of untreated sleep apnea, which can have serious medical repercussions.
What Can I Do About My Tooth Grinding?
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to first see your dentist to assess any damage. They’ll be able to see how your teeth and mouth has changed over time with the help of a physical examination and in some cases, x-rays. They may be able to detect another type of disorder that can cause these symptoms, such as TMJ or an ear infection. If, through asking questions about your sleeping habits, dental health, daily routines and medications you’re taking, they discover that you are experiencing bruxism, they may refer you to a specialist. If there is a psychological component, you might be referred to a counselor. If a sleep disorder is suspected, they might suggest a sleep specialist that will monitor you as you sleep to determine if you have sleep apnea and to see how often you clench your jaw muscles.
In more extreme cases, a mouth guard might be prescribed. If misaligned teeth are causing the problem, braces or oral surgery may be required. Certain medications might be used, such as muscle relaxers before bedtime.
Many cases of bruxism don’t require medical or surgical treatment. In the case of teeth grinding caused by stress, a relaxation technique such as meditation or exercise might help to relieve the problem.
For more information, the Mayo Clinic provides a detailed discussion about Bruxism (tooth grinding), including symptoms, causes, treatment and home remedies.