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Do you wake up frequently at night? Perhaps you experience facial pain, jaw stiffness, or headaches in the morning. If these symptoms sound familiar, you may be grinding your teeth at night, a habit dentists warn can be detrimental to oral health. Unresolved, teeth grinding can lead to broken teeth, weakened enamel, and even jaw problems. Whether you do it every night or only on occasion, it’s crucial to be evaluated by a professional to determine the exact cause of the problem, as there are numerous reasons people do this.

4 Reasons You Grind Your Teeth

1. Stress & Anxiety

There are a number of different reasons people grind their teeth, but stress is actually the leading cause. In fact, according to research, 70% of people grind their teeth due to stress or anxiety. Even when you sleep, your body can remain anxious, but because you are not awake and making active decisions about how to handle the stress, it comes out in different physical manifestations, such as teeth grinding. One way to approach the issue is by massaging your jaws with a warm washcloth before bed. This helps relax the face more and releases tension.

2. Oral Health Issues

dentistDentists also note certain oral health issues can contribute to teeth grinding, including missing or misaligned teeth. These problems put stress on the jawbone and lead to teeth grinding as your body tries to align your mouth properly. They can often be remedied by addressing the bigger problem with a dental implant, bridge, or a retainer to align the teeth. 

3. Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, snoring, and nighttime acid reflux, can also cause teeth grinding. Because they often disrupt sleep and put stress on the body, you’re more likely to suffer from teeth grinding if you also have one of these conditions. Seeking treatment for your sleep disorder often resolves related issues as well. This may include enrolling in a sleep study or taking medication to reduce reflux.

4. Medication

In addition to the above reasons, there are also certain medications that can cause you to grind your teeth at night. Many of these are used to treat psychological disorders, such as depression or anxiety. Because this medicine impacts the chemicals in your brain, common side effects include a clenched jaw or grinding teeth while sleeping. Talk with your physician about alternative medications if you begin to notice severe teeth grinding. If you cannot switch the medicine you’re on, speak with a dentist about a special mouthguard to be worn at night. 

 

Stafford Dental Associates has been serving the Stafford Springs, CT, community for more than 40 years. The dentists on staff are knowledgeable in routine oral hygiene checkups, as well as more complex treatments like root canals. If you are looking for a family dentist and a relaxing atmosphere to take care of your oral health, call them today at (860) 684-5296. For more information about the practice or their services, visit their website.

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