Signs You Are Grinding Your Teeth in Sleep

Posted on 2/15/2024 by Weo Admin

Close up of a simple mouthguard being held up by a woman

Teeth grinding during sleep, also known as bruxism, can have subtle signs that often go unnoticed. However, paying attention to these indicators can help you identify whether you might be grinding your teeth at night.

Jaw Pain

Persistently clenching and grinding your teeth can strain your jaw, the most complex joint system in your body. If you have tight jaw muscles or hear funny noises when opening and closing your jaw, teeth grinding during sleep might be to blame.

Headaches

The stress from constant clenching and grinding can lead to headaches. Bruxism-induced headaches can start as a dull ache at the temples and escalate to migraines. Consulting our dentist is advisable if you are dealing with persistent headaches and suspect teeth grinding.

Fractured, Loose, Or Chipped Teeth

Grinding and clenching your teeth can wear down the outer layer and weaken the enamel that protects them. This can cause teeth to break or become loose, even though they are strong enough to withstand the average bite force of 200 pounds.

Ear Pain

If you have earache-like pain but no ear infection, it may be due to teeth grinding. The temporomandibular joint structures near the ear canal may cause pain to radiate toward your ear, creating the illusion of an earache.

Tooth Sensitivity

Teeth grinding can lead to tooth sensitivity, even if your teeth and gums are otherwise healthy. Grinding wears down the enamel, exposing dentin and making your teeth hypersensitive to hot and cold temperatures. If you are experiencing unusual sensitivity, teeth grinding could be the culprit.

Neck and Shoulder Pain

Grinding can extend beyond the jaw, causing neck and shoulder pain. Waking up with soreness or chronic pain in these areas may be linked to the stress placed on your jaw during clenching and grinding throughout the night.

Being aware of these signs can prompt timely intervention to address teeth grinding. If you recognize these indicators, consulting with our dentist can lead to effective solutions and healthier sleep.

Madison:

5709 Odana Road,
Madison, WI 53719

608-274-5970

Hours

Mon - Thurs: 7 am - 6 pm
Friday: 7 am - 2 pm

DeForest

502 Nelson Court,
DeForest, WI 53532

608-846-3302

Hours

Monday: 8 am - 5 pm
Tuesday: 7 am - 4 pm
Wednesday: 8 am - 5 pm
Thursday: 8 am - 5 pm
Friday: Closed

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Madison Family Dental Associates, 5709 Odana Rd., Madison, WI 53719; 608-274-5970; madisonfamilydental.com; 12/13/2024; Key Phrases: dentist Madison WI;