Teeth Grinding Contributes to Sleepless Nights
By Joan Westlake
Q. How common is nighttime teeth grinding?
A: Nearly everyone occasionally grinds or clenches their teeth during sleep. Dr. James B. Maas, in his book Power Sleep, point out that tooth grinding, which doctors refer to as bruxism, is prevalent in about half of all normal infants and is thought to be a part of teething process.
Q: Is teeth grinding harmful?
A: While some grinding of the teeth is not uncommon or particularly problematic, Dr. Maas said that for about 5 percent of the population, it adversely affects many aspects of health. Frequent tooth grinding in adults can lead to dental damage and injury and facial pain associated with temporomandibular joint disorders, known as TMJ. Even before you realize the problem, your dentist may discover bruxism by the signs of tooth wear.
Often caused by stress, the sound of gnashing teeth can wake up both you and your spouse.
Q: What can be done about it?
A: Ways to deal with bruxism include using a plastic mouth guard, known as a splint, that’s created by the dentist from a mold of your teeth.
Q: Can teeth grinding be prevented?
A: To combat nights of teeth grinding, establish regular sleep routines and a comfortable nighttime environment, and learn relaxation techniques to deal with the causes of the grinding anxiety.
