I grind my teeth at night and I sound scared, what should I do?

Mondo Health Updated on 2024-01-19

While walking in the park, two retirees talked, and one complained: "I have been sleeping hard lately, and my mouth hurts when I wake up, and even my wife says that she hears me grinding my teeth at night." Another nodded in understanding: "I used to be like this, and I felt very troubled. Not only does this affect my sleep, but it also makes me worry about whether it will be harmful to my teeth. ”

Teeth grinding, medically known as "sleep-related bruxism", is a common phenomenon in many middle-aged and elderly people when they sleep at night. It can be caused by a variety of causes, including stress, dental problems, or sleep disturbances. Long-term teeth grinding not only affects the quality of sleep, but can also cause damage to dental health.

So, in the face of such a situation, how to effectively deal with and solve it?

Teeth grinding, medically known as "sleep-related bruxism," is a common sleep disorder. This phenomenon occurs during sleep and is usually unaware of the patient's knowledge. Studies have shown that about 8%-31% of ** have the Xi of teeth grinding, especially in middle-aged and elderly people.

The causes of teeth grinding are varied, but they are often related to stress in life. Stress is the norm in modern life, especially for middle-aged and elderly people, health worries, family responsibilities, and adjustment to retirement life can become stressors. This pressure manifests itself at night in the form of teeth grinding, resulting in tooth wear, jaw tension and even pain.

In addition to psychological factors, physical problems are also a common cause of teeth grinding. For example, oral problems such as crooked teeth and abnormal bite can cause abnormal jaw movement at night, which can lead to teeth grinding. In addition, a study involving 4,500 people** found that sleep disorders, such as snoring and pauses in breathing, were significantly associated with teeth grinding.

Molars can be judged by looking at a few simple signals. For example, waking up in the morning with a sore jaw, sensitive teeth, or a partner reporting hearing teeth grinding at night may be signs of teeth grinding.

Teeth grinding, a common but often overlooked sleep Xi, can be a sign of a health concern. Late-night teeth grinding usually occurs during deep sleep, so most people don't know it. However, some simple observations can reveal this behavior.

First and foremost, the sensation in your mouth when you wake up in the morning is a key cue. If you feel a sore jaw or your teeth are unusually sensitive, it may be the result of teeth grinding at night. Another telltale sign is feedback from a partner or family member. Since the sound made when grinding teeth can be quite loud, teeth grinding during sleep is often noticed by the person in the room.

Secondly, it is also very important to have regular dental check-ups. Dentists can spot signs of teeth grinding during routine checkups, such as tooth wear or changes in tooth plane. This physical evidence is key to assessing the condition of teeth grinding.

Finally, everyday headaches and neck pain can be related to teeth grinding. Excessive jaw movement can cause muscle tension, which in turn can trigger head and neck pain. If you often feel these discomforts in the morning, you need to pay special attention to the possibility of teeth grinding.

Teeth grinding during sleep, while not fatal, is enough to disrupt a peaceful night and a healthy life. The good news is that effective prevention and ** measures are right at hand.

First and foremost, pay attention to oral hygiene and dental maintenance. Check your teeth regularly, especially misaligned or uneven teeth, which are often the top motivators for teeth grinding. A 2019 study showed a clear association between crooked or missing teeth and teeth grinding behavior. Your dentist may recommend orthodontics or braces, which play a huge role in grinding your teeth at night, not only to protect your teeth, but also to reduce the discomfort of grinding.

Second, focus on mental health. Stress is one of the potential triggers for teeth grinding. Relax and adopt appropriate stress management techniques, such as light yoga, meditation or a relaxing walk. Studies have shown that these activities are effective in reducing stress levels, which in turn reduces the likelihood of teeth grinding.

Further, adjust your sleep environment and Xi. Get enough sleep and create a quiet, comfortable sleeping environment. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, especially before bedtime, as they may affect sleep quality and exacerbate teeth grinding.

Finally, experts point out that proper nutritional supplementation should not be overlooked. Deficiencies in minerals such as magnesium and calcium have been linked to muscle tension and teeth grinding. Eat a balanced diet and increase your intake of these nutrients through supplements if necessary.

When teeth grinding at night becomes a problem, working with a dentist is a critical step in addressing the issue. Dentists can not only provide professional diagnosis, but also develop a suitable plan according to the individual situation. For example, when teeth are severely worn, your dentist may recommend custom-made braces to protect your teeth. This type of braces can effectively reduce the damage to teeth from teeth grinding and also help to reduce tension in the jaw muscles.

Studies have shown that about 20% of adults have teeth grinding, but many of them are unaware of the problem. In this case, regular dental check-ups are particularly important. An examination by a dentist can detect early signs of teeth grinding, such as abnormal wear and tear of the teeth or receding gums. These signs may not be subtle in everyday life, but early detection can be effective in preventing more serious oral health problems.

In addition, the dentist can also provide targeted advice, such as improving bite problems or adjusting the alignment of teeth, which can also be beneficial to reduce the effects of teeth grinding. In some cases, dentists may also advise patients to seek help from other professionals, such as a sleep specialist or psychologist. This is because teeth grinding can be related to sleep disturbances or psychological stress, which require interdisciplinary collaboration to address them comprehensively.

Collaboration with a dentist is an indispensable step when it comes to teeth grinding problems. Through professional diagnosis and personalized ** plan, it can effectively alleviate teeth grinding problems and protect oral health.

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