Symptoms and Treatment: Grinding Teeth In Sleep
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Symptoms and Treatment: Grinding Teeth In Sleep

Grinding teeth in sleep or bruxism is common and can happen to anyone while they’re unconscious. However, teeth grinding also happen when someone’s awake. Some patients tend to clench their teeth when they’re using force like lifting heavy objects. Using full concentration like writing or sewing may also cause someone to clench his jaws.

Although occasional teeth grinding is fine, Dr. Peter Yao says doing it habitually can result in dental and other health problems.

Symptoms of grinding teeth in sleep

Since most patients are unaware during teeth grinding, they’d only know they do it until signs show. Also, a family member telling them that they’re grinding teeth in sleep is a sure indicator.

  • It’s a common symptom when someone has bruxism. Not everyone who grinds his teeth experience headache; however, he’s prone to have one.
  • Muscle pain and enlargement. It’s the body’s way of saying that there’s something wrong inside the muscles. Excessive use of the facial muscles causes jaw pain and enlargement.
  • According to Dr. Peter Yao, temporomandibular disorder happens to adapt the patient’s dentition to a functional wear after bruxing.
  • Stiff neck and ear pain. When the masseter muscle is over fatigued, it affects certain muscles in the neck and ear causing stiffness and pain.
  • Sleeping disorder. Patients who are constantly grinding teeth in sleep have a hard time falling into a deep sleep. The popping and grating noises are also disturbing.

Treatment to grinding teeth in sleep

A common cause of grinding teeth is stress and anxiety. It’s best to manage these behaviors with the help of a professional. Dr. Peter Yao introduces a mandibular advancement device to his patients to reduce and eventually stop teeth grinding. Doing the necessary measures could improve a patient’s dental and overall health.

Harmony Dental Clinic accepts patients who suffer from bruxism to avoid dental issues and risks of teeth grinding.

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