Some people go to bed feeling completely relaxed and wake up with a sore jaw, a headache or teeth that feel unusually sensitive.
They may have no idea what happened during the night. In some cases, the explanation is sleep bruxism, the medical term for clenching or grinding the teeth while asleep.
Sleep bruxism is considered a sleep-related movement disorder. Unlike daytime grinding, which a person may sometimes notice while concentrating or feeling tense, nighttime grinding happens without conscious control...To Read The Full Content; Tap Here Now .
A person can therefore spend part of the night repeatedly bringing their teeth together without remembering it the next morning.
Scientists still do not have one simple explanation for why sleep bruxism happens. Mayo Clinic says it may involve a combination of physical, psychological and genetic factors. It can also be associated with brief disturbances during sleep, making the behaviour more complicated than simply saying someone is stressed.
Stress and anxiety are recognized risk factors, but they are not the whole story. Sleep problems such as snoring and sleep apnoea can also be associated with teeth grinding. Caffeine, alcohol, smoking and certain medicines may increase the risk in some people.
The strange part is that the person may not notice anything while it is happening. A sleeping partner might hear grinding sounds, or a dentist might discover signs of wear on the teeth during a routine examination. Sometimes morning jaw discomfort becomes the first clue.
Over time, frequent or severe grinding can cause problems. Teeth may become worn, chipped or sensitive, while the jaw muscles can become tired or painful. Some people may also develop headaches or discomfort around the jaw and face.
That is why nighttime teeth grinding is more than just an unusual sleeping habit when it happens regularly. If someone notices tooth damage, jaw pain, headaches or learns from another person that they grind their teeth during sleep, a dentist or healthcare professional can help determine what may be happening.