What is Bruxism?

What Causes Nocturnal Teeth Grinding?

While the scientific community has not found a definitive cause for the condition, general consensus suggests that grinding your teeth during sleep is related to emotional tensions. These may include stress (physical or mental), hyperactivity disorders, anxiety, and suppressed anger. Teeth grinding can also be a side effect of taking anti-depressants.

Treatment Options

Treatment for the condition is centered around relaxation practices, lifestyle changes, and/or pain relief.

Relaxation therapies may help reduce the stress that triggers habitual grinding. Meditation, yoga, massage, regular exercise, biofeedback training, hypnosis, and other body-calming activities can help reduce occurrences. For information on these and other relaxation techniques, click here.

There are certain lifestyle habits that can help address symptoms, as well. These include getting a sufficient amount of sleep each night, establishing healthy sleep habits, and eating a well-balanced diet. In addition, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake may also help, and will contribute to more restful sleep in general.

In limited cases, medications may be recommended to reduce anxiety that may be causing nocturnal grinding and/or treat the pain that results from bruxism. Yet, over-the-counter or prescription medicine is not the preferred method of addressing the condition and is only used on a temporary basis.

Doctors and dentists most often recommend an oral splint to stop teeth grinding from occurring. This full or partial mouthguard is worn during sleep - and helps prevent grinding and minimize damage to your teeth. Many sufferers experience relief when using a splint. Yet, symptoms can return when the splint is not worn.

Your doctor will recommend the best course of treatment, based on your individual condition. The key is to recognize the symptoms, see your doctor, and act early before you experience too much pain or tooth damage.

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