5 Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth at Night (And How We Can Help)

 We often enjoy eating food, but the role it plays in digestion is actually quite complex. This function initiates the digestive process, involving chewing (mastication), which breaks down food by tearing and grinding it with our teeth and using saliva to lubricate what we ingest and aid in its breakdown as it passes down our throat. 

Similar actions to chewing our food also play a role in a dental condition that millions of people experience, known as teeth grinding, or bruxism. Several factors contribute to this issue, and to protect your teeth, it is essential to recognize the signs of this problem and understand how we can help you manage it.

Dr. Elena Davidson and her dedicated staff at Davidson Dental Group assist the people of San Leandro, Castro Valley, and other areas surrounding Oakland, California, with a wide range of dental services, including managing bruxism.

Why do we grind our teeth?

Bruxism involves grinding the teeth, but it also includes clenching or gnashing them. It’s one of several ways we can respond to stressful situations, often without realizing it’s happening.  Other factors also can lead to it, including smoking, alcohol abuse, drinking large amounts of caffeine, some medications, and struggling with sleep apnea.

Bruism occurs in one of two ways, while awake or while sleeping, and left untreated can lead to sleeping problems, dental erosion, cracked teeth, facial pain, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.

Signs that show bruxism occurs while we sleep

In both types, tooth grinding happens subconsciously, with similar symptoms of both:

1. Wearing down of teeth

The constant rubbing of the teeth together wears down the enamel that protects them, leading to other complications such as tooth sensitivity, cracking, and chipping.

1. Jaw problems

Soreness and tightness in the jaws are common, as well as popping and clicking sounds, and the jaw muscles can look larger than usual.

1. Headaches

All the tooth and jaw activity at night can cause headaches during the day, as well as pain in various parts of your face.

1. Tongue marks

Grinding and clenching cause indentations and other marks on your tongue, which can easily get in the way when you're doing something without knowing it.

1. Sleeping problems

Tossing and turning in bed when resting is a sign of bruxism, and the overall discomfort also leads to fatigue during the day.

How is it treated?

Bruxism can be managed in several ways, including treating the underlying causes, using mouthguards at night to reduce tooth damage, relaxing the muscles involved with Botox®, and using various medications. 

Pain issues and swelling are treatable with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, and stress management (through yoga, meditation, and deep breathing, for example) can reduce the frequency of grinding teeth. 

Millions of people grind their teeth without realizing it, but regardless of why you do it, we’re here to help. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, call or message Davidson Dental Group today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Davidson.