Key Takeaway:
- Stress and Anxiety
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Smoking
- Sleep Apnea
- drugs
Do you often wake up with a headache, sore jaw, neck, or shoulder? You may grind your teeth during sleep. Teeth clenching, also called Bruxism, is a sleep-related movement disorder affecting 8 to 10 percent of adults in the US.
It is an involuntary action that could also be your body’s coping mechanism or response to stress or anxiety. But do you know what is it’s primary reason? Most people clench their teeth during the day from time to time, while others do it in their sleep. Is that also because of stress or anxiety, or is there something else we are missing out here?
This guide will discuss what causes teeth grinding and determine whether it is because of any vitamin deficiency. And if so, what vitamin deficiency causes teeth grinding?
What Causes Grinding Teeth?
The cause of bruxism is unique to every individual. While for some, it could be just a habit. For others, it could be due to psychological or physical conditions.
If we talk about daytime clenching, it’s mostly because of stress and anxiety. On the contrary, nighttime grinding could result from sleep apnea, hyperactivity, or a side effect of certain medications.
Some researchers also link smoking, the use of caffeine, tobacco, and drugs to bruxism.
Common Symptoms of Bruxism:
If you cannot figure out whether you clench your teeth during sleep, here are common symptoms to look for to confirm your suspicion:
- Headaches and facial pain
- Disrupted sleep
- Sore jaw
- Earaches
- Wear on teeth
- Jaw popping and locking
- Pain chewing
- Loose teeth
- Teeth fracture
Bruxism Treatment:
Unfortunately, there are no dedicated medications for bruxism. However, on your dentist's recommendation, you can use a night guard to prevent nighttime clenching. Another possible way to deal with this is by writing down your negative thoughts on a piece of paper before going to bed. It will release tension and help you sleep peacefully.
Some even recommend taking a hot shower before bed as it calms your body and relieves you mentally.
Other things to tackle this issue include:
- Exercise
- Meditation
- Seeking therapy
- Physical therapy
- Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine
- Cut down sodas and chocolates
- Avoiding chewing non-edible, hard items
What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Teeth Grinding?
According to research, sleep bruxism could result from vitamin D and calcium deficiency. It is better to check your vitamin D and calcium levels if you clench your teeth in your sleep.
Getting enough vitamins and minerals will help minimize teeth clenching and will significantly impact your overall condition.
Does Magnesium Stop Teeth Grinding?
Magnesium can calm the fast-twitching facial muscles and will help prevent teeth grinding. The recommended dose for women is 310mg to 320mg, while for men is 400mg to 420mg.
What Causes Teeth Grinding in Toddlers?
There could be more than one reason for teeth grinding among toddlers. For instance, it could be because of their teeth alignment, or maybe they have an earache or teething issues.
To prevent your child from teeth clenching, massage their muscles and help them do a little stretching or exercise before going to bed. Also, make sure your child has a good water intake.
What causes Teeth Grinding while awake?
Strong emotions such as anger, frustration, anxiety, etc. can result in daytime teeth clenching. Try out the following things to prevent daytime bruxism:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Deep breathing
- Acunpuncture
- Writing down negative thoughts
Is Grinding Teeth Serious?
Typically, bruxism doesn’t take a toll on your health. However, persistent and severe bruxism may result in tooth fracture, bad headaches, and a sore jaw.
Conclusion
Bruxism is an involuntary response of your body to stress and anxiety. Doctors typically recommend wearing a nighttime mouth guard to prevent teeth from grinding during sleep. However, if that doesn’t help, see a doctor or seek therapy to learn to manage your emotions and deal with stress and anxiety better.
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