How to Stop Teeth Grinding At Night: Causes and Symptoms

Teeth grinding occurs during sleep and can be difficult to control, but it can also happen during the day (known as awake bruxism). While occasional grinding may not be harmful, chronic bruxism can lead to serious dental issues, such as worn-down teeth, jaw pain, and even cracked teeth.

Understanding the causes of teeth grinding, its potential effects, and how to stop teeth grinding at night is important for preserving your oral health. Thus, this guide will explore effective ways to recognize bruxism symptoms, prevent it, and discuss treatment methods to maintain your smile safely.

Teeth Grinding vs. Clenching

Many people confuse grinding with clenching. While both involve excessive jaw activity, they are slightly different:

• Grinding: Continuous rubbing of the teeth together, often creating a loud noise.
• Clenching: Keeping the jaw tightly shut without any movement. Both habits can cause tooth damage, jaw pain, and other complications.

Symptoms of Teeth Grinding

How can you tell iif you are grinding your teeth at night? Usually, it is not easy to diagnose by yourself, until you share your room with someone. So, here are some common symptoms and signs to look out for:

• Morning Jaw Pain: A sore or stiff jaw upon waking is a telltale sign.
• Headaches: Frequent headaches, especially in the temples, can be linked to bruxism.
• Worn or Sensitive Teeth: Over time, grinding can wear down the enamel, making your teeth more sensitive to hot or cold.
• Earaches: The pressure from grinding can sometimes feel like an earache.
• Sleep Disruption: If your partner hears grinding noises, it’s a clear indicator.

Why Do I Grind My Teeth at Night?

Understanding the underlying cause of teeth grinding is the first step toward finding an effective solution. Here are some common reasons why you grind your teeth at night:

• Stress and anxiety
• Malocclusion
• Sleep disorder
• Side effects of medication

How to Stop Teeth Grinding at Night

If you suspect that you grind your teeth at night, but don’t know how to stop teeth grinding at night, here are some effective treatments:

Wear a Night Guard for Teeth Grinding

A night guard is highly effective in protecting your teeth from damage caused by grinding during sleep. It is a custom-fitted appliance that fits over your teeth, creating a protective barrier between the lower and upper teeth. A night guard not only prevents your tooth from damage but also reduces the strain on your jaw muscles.

Over-the-counter night guards lack the precision and comfort of custom-made designs. Smilepath offers high-quality, custom night guards tailored to fit your teeth perfectly. Made from durable material, our night guards provide maximum protection and comfort.

Lessen Stress Level

Previously mentioned, stress is the major cause of bruxism, it’s important to incorporate stress-reduction practices into your daily routine, which can make a significant difference.

Since stress is a major cause of bruxism, it’s important to incorporate stress-reduction practices into your daily routine.

Consider the following techniques to help you manage your stress:

• Yoga: Helps you to release tension in the body and calm your mind.
• Meditation: Promotes relaxation and reduces your anxiety.
• Deep Breathing Exercises: Calms the nervous system and prepares your body for sleep.

Try practicing these techniques for 10-15 minutes before sleep. They can reduce the likelihood of grinding your teeth during the night.

Enhance Sleep Hygiene

Your sleep environment and habits play an important role in managing bruxism. Poor sleep hygiene can exacerbate teeth grinding. Thus, you must create a calming bedtime routine. Here are some tips to improve your sleep hygiene:

• Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol: Both can interfere with your sleep and increase the chance of grinding.
• Stick to a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your sleep cycle.
• Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Consider reading, taking a warm bath, or listening to soothing music to help your body wind down.

If you improve your sleep hygiene, you can reduce the possibility of grinding your teeth and help you enjoy a more restful sleep.

Jaw Massage and Exercise

Incorporating gentle jaw exercises and massages into your daily routine can help to manage bruxism. These techniques relax the muscles around your jaw, reduce tension and prevent excessive grinding or clenching. Over time, they can also improve your jaw’s flexibility and relieve discomfort caused by bruxism.

How to Perform Jaw Exercises:

• Jaw Stretching: Open your mouth as wide as comfortably possible, hold for 5-10 seconds, and then slowly close it. Repeat this 5-10 times to stretch the jaw muscles.
• Side-to-Side Movement: Gently move your jaw from side to side, holding each position for a few seconds, helps loosen tight muscles.
• Chin Tucks: Sit or stand with your shoulders back. Gently tuck your chin toward your chest, hold for 3-5 seconds, and release. Repeat 10 times to improve posture and reduce jaw strain.

How to Massage Your Jaw:

• Use your fingertips to apply gentle pressure to the muscles around your jaw, particularly near the hinge of your jaw (temporomandibular joint or TMJ).
• Move your fingers in small circular motions to release tension.
• You can also massage the sides of your face and temples to relieve stress that may contribute to grinding.

Performing these exercises and massages for just 5-10 minutes can significantly reduce jaw tension and prevent nighttime grinding.

Dental Correction

Sometimes, bruxism is caused or worsened by dental issues, such as an uneven bite, misaligned teeth, or an abnormal jaw position. In such cases, dental correction may be the essential solution to solving the problem.

According to Dr Mo Amso, a professional dentist in New Zealand, notes that approximately 20% of adults experience bruxism, and the prevalence has increased notably since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

According to the Mayo Clinic, about 8-10% of adults experience bruxism, and it is more common among children. However, many individuals are unaware of their condition until symptoms emerge.

Consult a Professional

If you have tried these strategies and still experience symptoms, it is important to consult a dentist. Dentist can thoroughly examine your condition and recommend additional treatment, such as:

• Muscle Relaxants
• Therapy for Sleep Disorders
• Behavioral Therapy

How Smilepath Helps You to Prevent Your Teeth Grinding

Smilepath offers you effective solutions to help you prevent teeth grinding and protect your teeth:

• Custom Night Guards: Our professionally designed night guards are made according to your teeth, which protect your teeth from damage and improve your sleep quality.
• Aligners: If misaligned teeth cause your bruxism, our clear aligners can help correct your bite and reduce grinding.
• Retainers: After orthodontic treatment, retainers ensure proper alignment, preventing future grinding issues.
• Mouthguards: They protect your radiant smile while you're playing a game.

Smilepath Excellent Night Guard

Smilepath is your top Solution for teeth grinding and bruxism. They protect your teeth while you're sleeping. Here are some reasons:

Night Guard Composition

• Crafted from lightweight, durable materials for a BPA-free plastic.
• Ensures long-lasting protection while being comfortable to wear.

How Does a Night Guard Fit?

• Customized to your teeth for a tight, secure fit.
• Prevents movement and minimizes damage during sleep.

How Can I Order a Custom Nightguard

1. Place Your Order
   

   Purchase your Night Guard kit online.

   Receive an impression kit with easy-to-follow instructions.

2. Make Your Impression
   

   Use the provided materials to create an accurate impression of your teeth.

   Send the impression back to Smilepath.

3. Receive Your Custom Night Guard
   

   We craft a Night Guard tailored to your dental structure.

   Your custom-fit Night Guard is delivered to your doorstep.

Wrapping up

Teeth grinding at night can be painful and frustrating, but the good news is that it is treatable. Moreover, learn the different strategies for stopping teeth grinding at night.By following these strategies, you can stop or prevent clenching or grinding teeth at night. Using a night guard, reducing stress, and making lifestyle changes are effective ways to manage bruxism.

Smilepath here to support you every step of the way with custom night guards and clear aligners to help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile. Visit Smilepath to learn more about how we can help protect your oral health.

FAQs