It is often difficult to determine the cause of nighttime teeth grinding. However, it is important to find the root cause and contributing factors of nighttime teeth grinding to treat the issue long-term. While night guards and other forms of treatment may prevent teeth from becoming damaged, the issue may not stop until the root cause is properly addressed.
Nighttime teeth grinding can lead to TMJ disorder and damaged teeth. Due to this, it is important to determine the most common causes and seek treatment promptly if symptoms develop. Four of the more common causes of nighttime teeth grinding are jaw misalignment, crooked teeth, missing teeth and anxiety and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
Jaw misalignment increases the risk of nighttime teeth grinding. This is because the bottom and the upper jaws are not even while the mouth is closed, increasing the risk of teeth making contact with one another. Jaw misalignment can be in the form of an underbite, overbite, crossbite or various other forms of malocclusions. A general dentist can treat jaw misalignment through orthodontic treatment. In the meantime, a general dentist may recommend using a night guard to prevent the jaw and teeth from becoming damaged.
Crooked teeth can also cause an uneven bite and may increase the risk of teeth grinding. Additionally, missing teeth, especially those that lead to teeth shifting, can increase the risk of nighttime teeth grinding. Therefore, those who have issues with teeth alignment or missing teeth should check for signs of teeth grinding and visit the dentist if there are any concerns. A general dentist may recommend orthodontic treatments such as braces, clear aligners or teeth replacement, along with a night guard to prevent teeth damage.
Stress and anxiety increase the risk of nighttime teeth grinding. Many with bruxism only grind their teeth during the more stressful moments of their life. If this is the case, then lifestyle changes may be enough to treat the underlying concern. With that said, a general dentist may also recommend a night guard to ensure the proper protection of teeth.
Sleep apnea can cause a stress response that leads to tense jaw muscles, increasing the risk of teeth grinding and clenching. In fact, approximately one in four people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) struggles with teeth grinding. Subsequently, it is encouraged for those who are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea to seek dental treatment for the sleep apnea to get a better night's sleep and prevent teeth grinding.
Get in touch with our dental team via phone or email today to learn more about the causes and treatment options for nighttime teeth grinding. Teeth grinding can cause severe teeth damage that will require invasive and expensive dental treatment, and it is our goal to help our patients who struggle with nighttime teeth grinding prevent serious symptoms from developing.
Request an appointment here: https://www.sabinodental.com or call Sabino Dental at (520) 308-6711 for an appointment in our Tucson office.
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