Gritting your teeth in your sleep

Grinding teeth in sleep, or bruxism, occurs unconsciously and periodically. Usually, after some time it passes and does not harm human health. But it also happens when bruxism appears again and again, causing a huge number of problematic situations. When does grinding teeth in sleep develop into a real problem and what methods help to fight it?

Causes grinding your teeth in your sleep

Often the reason for teeth grinding at night in children and adults is the usual habit of gnawing on something during intense work (for example, schoolchildren chew on pencils). Stressful situations should also be highlighted here. In humans, clenching of the jaws is a natural reaction to any unpleasant events. When a person clenches his teeth and a creak appears, this signals the body that it is overexcited. This can happen against the background of emotional stress, taking various stimulants (coffee, amphetamine). But if grinding of teeth in sleep appears for no apparent reason, then the patient has problems with nerves and emotional instability.

In addition to nervous tension, a person may grind his jaw during a night's rest if he has an incorrect bite, is missing teeth, or, conversely, has additional sets of them. Bruxism occurs in people who suffer from Parkinson's or Huntington's disease. Another reason may be an unusual type of insomnia, when a person cannot fall into deep sleep.

Pathogenesis

Strong clenching of the jaws, when the teeth rub against each other, usually occurs at night with bruxism. Therefore, grinding teeth in sleep is considered not only a dental problem, but also a cause of improper rest. Such a disorder can occur in all people. Previously, it was believed that grinding teeth in sleep is a reflex. Therefore, it was not considered a problem. Today, scientists have classified bruxism as a bad habit. The pathogenesis of grinding teeth in sleep is a gradual wear of the jaw.

Symptoms grinding your teeth in your sleep

The main feature of bruxism is the fact that a person grinds his teeth unconsciously, on a subconscious level. During the day, grinding is much easier to notice, but in sleep, the patient does not control himself and does not know that the disease is already progressing. Of course, strange sounds can be heard by loved ones, who are usually the first to notice the grinding of teeth. But if a person lives alone, can he independently find out about the disease? The first signs of grinding teeth in sleep are a change in the size or shape of the crowns. A lot of unevenness and shortening appears. Ulcers can appear on the inside of the cheeks, since when clenching the jaw, a person bites the skin. Some people have pain in the mouth, headaches like migraines, tinnitus after sleep.

Teeth grinding in sleep in adults

Adults usually grind their teeth during their night's rest due to various unpleasant situations. They excite the nervous system during the day and this results in such a problem. Many are simply not used to showing bad emotions, which develops into such a problem. When nervous experiences reach their peak, it spills out unconsciously.

Teeth grinding in sleep in children

If a child makes such sounds after falling asleep, it is necessary to immediately pay attention to his emotional state. Often children experience discomfort, but cannot share this with adults. In addition, teeth grinding in children often occurs when helminths have started up in the body. In this case, the child may complain of stomach pain and loss of appetite. But the most common cause of teeth grinding in children is the incorrect placement and growth of teeth. In this case, it is worth contacting a dentist.

Complications and consequences

It is worth understanding right away that when a person grinds his teeth at night, he strains his jaw very much. Therefore, such patients often have depleted enamel, increased tooth sensitivity, and caries appears faster. To prevent this from happening, you need to visit a professional dentist. He will prescribe special individual mouth guards that you will need to wear at night.

The consequences of grinding teeth in sleep can be more serious. The temporomandibular joint often becomes inflamed, which leads to its pathologies. This can be explained by constant tension in the jaw.

Complications of Grinding Teeth in Sleep

Due to the fact that a person constantly strains the jaw, complications of grinding teeth in sleep arise. Among them, one can name the fact that the muscles responsible for the chewing function contract. Spasms appear. Also, strong and constant friction of teeth against each other leads to chips and damage to their surface.

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Diagnostics grinding your teeth in your sleep

The fact that a person suffers from bruxism is usually determined by the patient himself or his relatives. In addition, the dentist can also identify some indirect symptoms. The most common diagnostic method (objective) is the manufacture of special mouth guards that help determine whether there are any occlusal obstacles. After a person puts on a mouth guard for one night, it is given to a specialist for examination. This way, the dentist can see which teeth are under load.

Teeth grinding in sleep is also diagnosed using electromyography and polysomnography. Electromyography is based on the study of neuromuscular transmission and activity of the jaw muscles. Polysomnography is a set of examinations that are carried out during a person’s sleep. In this way, a large number of different pathologies can be detected.

Tests

The most common test for bruxism, especially in children, is a test for the presence of helminths (worms) in the body. It is also worth taking tests that will help determine a possible increase in adenoids, because in this case, the child may also grind his teeth in his sleep.

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Instrumental diagnostics

Instrumental diagnostics of teeth grinding during sleep involves polysomnography, installation of brux checkers and electromyography. Most dentists prefer to use convenient and lightweight brux checkers. With their help, bruxism can be quickly and easily detected. They are created according to an individual jaw cast, so they help to get a really good result.

Electromyography can effectively assess a person's chewing muscles and their tone, how symmetrical chewing is and what their maximum effort is when tense. With the help of such instrumental diagnostics, one can also observe the dynamics of teeth grinding during sleep and assess its strength. It allows one to establish the best treatment methods.

Polysomnography is performed in the most advanced cases, when it is necessary to check the activity of the patient's brain during sleep. Also, thanks to this method, it is possible to learn about the phases of sleep and the activity of the masticatory muscles.

Differential diagnosis

First of all, the dentist tries to make a complete picture of the pathological abrasion of tooth enamel in the patient's relatives and analyze it. It is interesting that according to new data, bruxism is often diagnosed in pathological hereditary abrasion. To make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to examine at least three generations of relatives.

Treatment grinding your teeth in your sleep

Treating teeth grinding during sleep is a complex task, since first of all it is necessary to find out why bruxism develops. The dentist recommends suitable methods. But at the same time, the patient also needs to independently monitor the following:

1. Try to ensure that your jaw is in the correct position throughout the day. In a normal state, the upper and lower rows of teeth should not touch. If you notice involuntary clenching, try to relax immediately.
2. Avoid situations that can cause stress. Bruxism is a reaction to negative emotions. In such cases, yoga, massage, relaxation, and light exercises will help you.
3. Try to "load" your jaws with special physical exercises before bedtime, then they will relax during sleep. Regular chewing gum will help you with this. Chew it on one side of your jaw for 10-15 minutes, then move it to the other.

To protect teeth and treat bruxism at night, special applications are used. Physiotherapy, which includes laser treatment and the use of warming compresses, also helps.

How to get rid of teeth grinding in sleep?

One of the causes of bruxism is nervous tension and stress, so it is recommended to visit a psychologist or neurologist. If the stressful situation disappears, the muscles can relax on their own. In some cases, this does not happen, then it is necessary to turn to conservative methods and take special medications. Remember that you can completely get rid of grinding your teeth in your sleep, at best, in a year.

Medicines

Bruxism caused by nervous disorders can be treated with sedatives. But such medications can only be taken after a full examination by a doctor, as they can be addictive and have contraindications. Please note that it is impossible to cure teeth grinding in sleep with medications alone. A comprehensive approach is necessary. Botox injections or even hypnosis can help with bruxism. Among the most common medications for teeth grinding during night rest are:

1. Bayu-Bai - this drug also has a form for children. This is a dietary supplement that has a calming effect. "Bayu-Bai" is used internally three times a day. The drug must be held in the mouth for a few seconds and only then swallowed. Children are prescribed 10 drops, adults - up to 15. There are no special contraindications, sometimes there may be hypersensitivity to the composition of the drug.
2. Valerian (in tablets and tinctures) – has a mild sedative effect. Based on herbal ingredients, but is not recommended for children, as it can cause excitement instead of calming. Thanks to valerian, natural sleep comes faster. It should be taken orally. The dose can only be determined by a doctor. Among the main side effects are drowsiness, lethargy, and low performance.
3. Novo-Passit is a combination drug that has a sedative effect. Adults and children over 12 years old take 1 tablet orally three times a day. Sometimes the doctor may increase the dose to two tablets. Side effects often include nausea, heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and drowsiness, allergies. It should not be taken by children under 12 years old or those with myasthenia.
4. Fito Novo-sed is a red or dark brown tint with a pleasant smell. It has a sedative effect. It should not be taken by patients with progressive systemic diseases, epilepsy, pregnant and nursing mothers. Adults take half a teaspoon of the drug, which is diluted in water three times a day.

They also take vitamins with calcium, magnesium, ascorbic acid, and B vitamins.

Traditional treatment for teeth grinding in sleep

1. To learn how to effectively relieve tension in the chewing muscles, you can try self-massage or relaxation of the muscles of the neck and mouth. There are special techniques and exercises that will help you with this.
2. It is worth reviewing your diet, giving up overly invigorating drinks and hard foods, and drinking plain water.
3. Some people recommend chewing some hard fruits or vegetables (carrots, apples) before going to bed.
4. Self-psychotherapy.
5. Applying warm compresses to the painful areas of tense cheekbones.

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Herbal treatment

1. Among folk remedies, one can single out rinsing the mouth with a decoction of chamomile. It will help relieve tension. To prepare such a solution, you need to take 200 ml of boiled hot water and 1 tablespoon of dried grass. Infuse for about 10 minutes and strain. Take before bedtime.
2. For 200 ml of water, take 2 tablespoons of perforated St. John's wort, boil, leave for another 10 minutes on low heat. Then leave the remedy for about half an hour. Strain and add the same amount of water. Take up to three times a day.
3. Take mint, trifoli leaves, hop flowers, valerian root and pour water over it. Take three times a day before meals.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic medicines have recently shown quite effective results in the treatment of bruxism in adults and children. But you should first consult a homeopathic doctor, who will prescribe the best medicine for your individual case. The main advantage of homeopathic medicines is that they are completely harmless even for small children.

The most common homeopathic remedies are:

1. Dormikid – for children aged 0 to 6 years. Take for two to four weeks until the creaking stops. The tablet is usually dissolved in water.
2. Belladonna 9 CH – suitable for both adults and children. Before going to bed, take three granules to relax the muscles.
3. Camomilla 9 CH – usually prescribed 9 granules per day. Divided into three doses of three granules.
4. Kalium Bromatum 9 CH – taken before bedtime in a dosage of 5 granules.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment of teeth grinding in sleep is not performed. Recently, botulinum toxin injections have become very popular, which helps to partially relax the chewing muscles. The principle is: the smaller the muscle, the less tension it creates. One botulinum toxin injection works for three to four months. During this period, a decrease in the size of those muscles that are not involved in contractions is observed.

Injections can be repeated until bruxism is completely gone, but not more often than once every three months. The procedure has its negative consequences: some people notice asymmetry of the smile, as well as severe fatigue when chewing.

Prevention

The most common methods of prevention are exercises. Chewing candies are the best way to help you with this. If you do exercises every day, you can get rid of the first signs of bruxism.

If your child grinds his teeth in his sleep, you should try to play calm games with him a few hours before going to bed so that he does not get overexcited. Try to talk to your baby before bed, calming him down.

Adults can be advised to try to deal with their problems without gathering them into a "huge lump". Try to better control the muscles of the face and neck.

Forecast

Grinding teeth in sleep is a rather complicated disease, which is difficult to overcome without the help of a professional. If bruxism is not treated in time, it can lead to quite serious consequences and injuries. In addition, grinding means that a person is emotionally unstable, which can lead to depression, unconscious attacks of anger, stress, irritation.