Nocturnal Teeth Grinding and Jaw Pain

Do you often wake up with a sore jaw or a headache? Do you have a partner who complains about the sound of your teeth grinding at night? These are all signs of nocturnal teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. While occasional teeth grinding is common, chronic bruxism can lead to serious dental problems and chronic jaw pain.

Sacramento Emergency Dentist discusses the causes, symptoms and treatments of nocturnal teeth grinding and jaw pain.

Causes of Nocturnal Teeth Grinding

There is no single cause of nocturnal teeth grinding, but it is believed to be related to a combination of physical, psychological and lifestyle factors. Some of the common causes of nocturnal teeth grinding include:

• Stress and Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can lead to bruxism. People who are anxious, stressed or tense are more likely to grind their teeth at night.
• Abnormal Bite: An abnormal bite or misaligned teeth can also cause bruxism. When the teeth do not meet properly, it can cause the jaw muscles to work harder and lead to teeth grinding.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, can cause bruxism as a side effect.
• Alcohol and Caffeine: Consumption of alcohol and caffeine can also cause bruxism.

Symptoms of Nocturnal Teeth Grinding

The symptoms of nocturnal teeth grinding can vary from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms of bruxism include:

• Headache: People who grind their teeth at night often wake up with a headache.
• Sore Jaw: Nocturnal teeth grinding can cause soreness and stiffness in the jaw muscles.
• Tooth Sensitivity: Chronic bruxism can lead to tooth sensitivity and tooth wear.
• Earache: Teeth grinding can cause ear pain due to the proximity of the jaw joint to the ear.

Treatment for Nocturnal Teeth Grinding

The treatment of nocturnal teeth grinding depends on the severity of the condition. Some of the common treatments we use at Sacramento Emergency Dentist for bruxism include:

• Mouthguards: A custom-fitted mouthguard can be worn at night to protect the teeth from damage caused by grinding.
• Dental Correction: In some cases, dental correction procedures such as braces or reshaping of teeth may be necessary to correct an abnormal bite and reduce teeth grinding.

Your emergency dentist may also discuss stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing that can help manage stress and reduce teeth grinding. They may also show you how massaging the jaw muscles before bedtime can help relax the muscles and reduce teeth grinding.

Sacramento, CA, Jaw Pain – Bruxism Relief

Nocturnal teeth grinding is a common condition that can lead to serious dental problems and chronic jaw pain. If you suspect that you may be grinding your teeth at night, it is important to consult a specialist at Sacramento Emergency Dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. With the right treatment and prevention strategies, you can manage your bruxism and enjoy a good night’s sleep.

Contact us at Sacramento Emergency Dentist if you wake up with persistent jaw pain. We can help you discover the cause and create a solution.