Teeth grinding: Sleep bruxism
Grinding one's teeth in sleep, also known as 'bruxism', is the uncontrolled sliding of teeth over each other, and/or the tight clenching of the molars during sleep. Teeth grinding doesn't necessarily only occur at night, but it is impossible to control teeth grinding while asleep.
Complaints of teeth grinding during sleep
Bruxism, or teeth grinding during sleep, can cause significant damage to the teeth and leads to a poorer quality of sleep. It can result in physical and emotional complaints such as chronic fatigue, irritation, jaw pain, and insomnia. The tooth enamel can be damaged, and fractures can even occur. Many people also experience sensitivity or pain in their teeth as a result of bruxism.
Cause of teeth grinding during sleep
The causes of bruxism during sleep are often difficult to ascertain. Stress, restlessness, anxiety, diet, medication use, and other factors that affect the nervous system may play a role. Teeth grinding while sleeping is due to unconscious brain activity, and it takes time and attention to identify the causes. It's also important to pay attention to your diet, as alcohol, sugar, tobacco, and other stimulants can contribute to unconscious teeth grinding.
Treatment
If you suffer from bruxism during sleep, it's advisable to consult a dentist. They can determine whether there is damage to your teeth due to grinding and if necessary, prescribe a custom-made mouthguard. The mouthguard, which is worn at night, prevents further damage to the teeth but is not a solution.
To address bruxism, efforts are often focused on finding ways to reduce potential stress factors, promote rest, and establish a healthy sleep pattern. The use of a good mattress, going to bed on time, and breathing exercises can help to foster a better sleep pattern and more relaxation, which can significantly reduce or even eliminate teeth grinding.