Do You Grind Your Teeth in the Night? Learn What Might Cause It and How You Can Stop’
The purpose of sleep is to give the body and brain a chance to rest and recharge. However, if you are grinding your teeth all night, then you will likely not sleep as well as you should. Keep reading to learn how grinding your teeth can negatively impact your smile and your sleep, and then contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to talk to a California dentist who can help you.
The Technical Name is Bruxism
If you have never heard teeth grinding referred to as bruxism, you are not alone – many people never have. However, it is the official term for grinding your teeth. You will likely see the term bruxism used in medical capacities when teeth grinding is being discussed.
Causes of Bruxism
The bad news about bruxism is that it is not entirely clear what causes it. One of the most popular assumptions is that stress plays a big part. The idea is that when a person is unable to relax or is otherwise under stress, teeth grinding can be the result. Even when the mind is sleeping, subconsciously, the person is still experiencing stress.
Other theories include improper alignment of the teeth, which can be treated with Invisalign or other orthodontic options, having a poor diet, or having bad posture. In many cases, it is a combination of these things that seem to cause the issue. For example, a person with a poor diet who is under a lot of stress is more likely to suffer from bruxism than a person who eats well and is relaxed.
Tips for Preventing Bruxism
Ideally, the first thing you will do is to find ways to reduce stress. This can do a lot more than lower your chance of developing bruxism – it can also improve your overall health and well-being. One of the biggest solutions to stress is getting enough sleep. Try to improve sleep hygiene by going to bed at the same time each night, staying off electronic devices for the hour before bed, and giving yourself plenty of time to sleep.
What to Do if You Grind Your Teeth
If you grind your teeth at night, it can lead to long-term dental issues and other problems. It can even result in loosening teeth. We suggest you talk to your dentist. We can determine if there is a dental issue causing or contributing to the issue.
Once we have ruled out a medical reason, we can fit you with a nightguard that prevents you from damaging your teeth. Call California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 now to get started.
