dentalssale As with any form of pain, a sore tooth can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. However, there are other dental issues that can also impact your sleep.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, medically known as bruxism, can occur during the day or night. When it happens during sleep, it is classified as a sleep-related movement disorder. Often, individuals may not be aware that they are grinding their teeth, but it might be noticed by a sleep partner or observed by the dentist through tooth damage. The symptoms of teeth grinding include:
Waking up with a headache.
Sleep disturbances, such as frequent awakenings or difficulty falling asleep.
Daytime drowsiness.
Jaw pain or stiffness.
Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold.
Grooves on the tongue.
The exact cause of teeth grinding is still uncertain. When it occurs during sleep, it could be triggered by chewing activity during more alert phases of the sleep cycle, known as arousal.
Certain factors can increase the risk of teeth grinding, including:
Presence of sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), sleepwalking, or sleeptalking.
Consumption of alcohol or caffeinated beverages.
Loud snoring.
Smoking.
Heightened levels of anxiety, stress, anger, or frustration.
Family history of bruxism.
Use of specific medications, such as those for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, or seizures.
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs)
TMDs encompass a range of conditions that cause pain and issues with the jaw joint and the controlling muscles. Poor sleep quality is often associated with TMDs, and teeth grinding can sometimes be linked to these disorders. However, TMDs can also occur independently without teeth grinding. Some common links to TMDs include:
Jaw injuries.
Anxiety and depression.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a history of abuse.
Fibromyalgia.
Headaches.
Thankfully, treatments are available for dental issues that affect sleep.
Seeking Relief
If dental problems are disrupting your sleep, a healthcare professional might recommend the following:
Medication adjustments: Teeth grinding could be a side effect of certain medications taken for other conditions. In such cases, the healthcare team may suggest waiting to see if the symptoms resolve on their own. If the issues persist, they might advise reducing the dosage or adding another medicine to counteract the symptoms. In some instances, they may recommend discontinuing the medication responsible for the side effects.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy: Tooth grinding is often linked to breathing difficulties during sleep, like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A CPAP device can effectively manage both conditions. It involves a small machine gently blowing air through a tube, which is connected to a mask worn over the nose or both the nose and mouth during sleep. The air pressure helps keep the airways open.
Mouth appliances: Mouth guards or splints can protect the teeth from damage and alleviate jaw pain. In cases of coexisting OSA, a custom oral device can address both breathing issues and teeth grinding.
Muscle relaxants, antidepressants, or anti-inflammatory medications: These may help alleviate pain and improve sleep quality.
Jaw exercises: For TMDs, collaborating with a physical therapist on jaw exercises can be beneficial in reducing jaw pain.
Talk therapy: In situations where TMDs are associated with anxiety, depression, or trauma, counseling can be helpful.
Avoiding repeated jaw movements: Steer clear of habits like chewing gum, biting fingernails, chewing on objects, or clenching teeth during wakeful hours.
Promoting Good Sleep
Besides treating dental conditions, adopting certain lifestyle choices can further enhance sleep quality:
Mind your diet: Avoid going to bed either hungry or stuffed. Refrain from consuming alcohol and caffeine close to bedtime. Also, avoid nicotine before going to sleep.
Maintain a regular sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily to establish a consistent sleep pattern.
Create a restful bedroom environment: Keep the room temperature cool and ensure it is dark and quiet to facilitate better sleep.
Limit exposure to light-emitting devices: Before bedtime, avoid using electronic devices like TVs, tablets, and smartphones that emit light.
Engage in daily exercise: Regular physical activity is beneficial, but intense exercise should be avoided within two hours of bedtime.
