What Causes Teeth Grinding in Your Sleep?

by Linda Singh January 05, 2022 4 min read

What Causes Teeth Grinding in Sleep? | Remi

Do you wake up in the middle of the night with an aching jaw? You may be suffering from teeth grinding, or bruxism. From stress to anxiety, there are many potential teeth grinding causes, but fortunately, there are also many teeth grinding solutions.

Teeth grinding causes vary, but they are most frequently attributed to stress. It can be an agonizing experience, both physically and emotionally. However, we're here to provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary for how to stop teeth grinding.

In this blog post, we will discuss how teeth grinding occurs, teeth grinding symptoms, and how you can stop it from happening at night so that you can get the restful sleep that your body craves.

Teeth Grinding Symptoms

Teeth grinding symptoms

If you're suffering from teeth grinding, it's essential to identify how severe your symptoms are to know how best to stop teeth grinding for good. 

You may notice some of the following signs:

  • Headaches, especially in the morning
  • Irritability or mood swings during the day (if you grind at night)
  • Tension headaches
  • Jaw pain or tenderness
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of your tooth
  • Teeth that are flattened, cracked, chipped, or loose
  • Neck pain
  • Earache
  • Irritability or mood swings during the day (if you grind at night)

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's time to take action and seek treatment for how to help with your teeth grinding.

How Does Teeth Grinding In Sleep Impact Your Health? 

Teeth grinding not only disrupts your slumber and prevents you from obtaining the rest your mind and body require, but it can also have significant effects on your teeth.

Chronic tooth grinding can erode your enamel, causing tooth sensitivity, discoloration, and an increased risk of decay. It can also cause jaw discomfort in the long term.

Teeth grinding night guards can help to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of bruxism, and help you get the peaceful sleep that you need.

Teeth Grinding Causes 

There are many potential teeth grinding causes, but stress is most common. When feeling overwhelmed or anxious, your body may react by clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth. Other potential teeth grinding causes include: 

  • Poor sleeping habits:  If you're not getting enough sleep, it can increase your stress levels and worsen bruxism. Ensure you're getting a minimum of six to eight hours of sleep a night, and avoid caffeine and other stimulants late in the day. For more tips on how to get a peaceful night of sleep, click here.
  • Nerve damage:  If you've ever had a dental procedure that required the placement of a nerve block, your body may be more sensitive to pain and can cause teeth grinding in sleep.
  • Diseases or disorders:  According to Sharecare, if you have a neurological disorder, such as epilepsy or Parkinson's disease, teeth grinding can be an early symptom.
  • Alcohol, drug, and tobacco use:  These substances can increase your stress levels and reduce the amount of restful sleep that you're able to get. When your body is uncomfortable or exhausted, teeth grinding is more likely to occur.
  • Anxiety or depression:  If you struggle with any sort of mental health condition, teeth grinding may be how your body responds when it's feeling anxious or stressed.
  • Medication:  Certain medications can cause teeth grinding symptoms. This includes antihistamines, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, or blood pressure medicine. If you think your teeth grinding may be related to a prescription drug, speak with your doctor about other options.
  • Injury to jaw muscle: Injuries or damage to your jaw muscles from an accident can also play a role in teeth grinding.
  • Hormonal changes: During pregnancy or menopause, hormonal fluctuations can cause your teeth to grind.

How to Stop Teeth Grinding 

How to stop teeth grinding in your sleep

Once you've identified the potential teeth grinding causes for you, it's time to seek appropriate treatment. There are many solutions available, depending on the root cause of your bruxism. In most cases, a teeth grinding mouth guard can provide relief and stop grinding from continuing.

Teeth grinding night guards are devices that fit over your teeth and help to absorb the force of teeth grinding. They are custom-made for each individual, and can be worn while you sleep to help prevent damage to your teeth and jaw.

If you think teeth grinding may be related to a medical condition or medication you're taking, speak with your doctor about other options. For example, if you have epilepsy, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medication that doesn't cause teeth grinding or other unwanted side effects.

You can also hone in on any potential stress triggers and find ways to reduce them throughout the day. Whether it's practicing breathing exercises before bedtime or taking time for yourself during the workday, try setting aside some time each day for relaxation.

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms of teeth grinding, it's important to seek treatment right away. Ignoring the problem can lead to long-term dental damage and other health problems. With the proper diagnosis and treatment, you can stop teeth grinding in sleep and take back control of your sleep cycle.

Stop Teeth Grinding With Remi

If you're looking for a teeth grinding mouth guard to help relieve your symptoms, Remi is the perfect solution. Remi creates mouth guards that are custom-made for each individual. They fit over your upper or lower teeth to help protect them from damage caused by teeth grinding.

Proudly made in the USA, Remi's FDA-compliant teeth grinding night guards are made of high-quality material that is both comfortable and effective in stopping teeth grinding.

Save time and money by ordering your custom Remi mouthguard today. With a 100% satisfaction guarantee and free expedited shipping, you can't go wrong with trying this teeth-grinding night guard!

Click here to order your Remi custom night guard today!



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