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What Causes Teeth Clenching at Night?

H. Colledge
H. Colledge

Teeth clenching at night typically occurs as part of a condition known as sleep bruxism. Sleep bruxism involves teeth grinding and teeth clenching while sleeping. The condition can be primary, when it arises on its own, or secondary, where it results from an existing medical problem. Although the precise cause of bruxism and teeth clenching at night is not known, the disorder is thought to be associated with increased stress and is more frequently found in aggressive, competitive personality types. The use of certain drugs, such as antidepressants, may be a cause, as may sleep disorders, Parkinson's disease, and misaligned teeth.

As well as being associated with the use of legal drugs, such as antidepressants, teeth clenching in sleep is also related to the use of illegal drugs, such as ecstasy and cocaine. Heavy use of caffeine, alcohol or tobacco may also make bruxism and tooth clenching more likely. In cases where the degree of teeth grinding and teeth clenching at night is relatively mild, using any of these substances could make the problem more serious.

A cross section of a tooth.
A cross section of a tooth.

A number of sleep disorders are connected with clenching teeth and bruxism. Research has shown that most episodes of bruxism occur clustered together and seem to occur in response to what are known as arousals, where a person wakes briefly. In the disorder called obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, arousals result from long pauses in breathing. These periods when breathing stops tend to be followed by teeth grinding and clenching, along with snorting or mumbling. Out of all the sleep disorders, OSA is the one which is most frequently associated with grinding and teeth clenching at night.

Jaw pain can be a consequence of bruxism.
Jaw pain can be a consequence of bruxism.

Depression and anxiety are often connected with bruxism. Many sufferers notice that episodes of teeth grinding and teeth clenching at night coincide with periods of increased worry and stress. A tendency to repress feelings of anger is another possible cause, and people with forceful, perfectionist, or compulsive personality traits may be more at risk.

Cocaine use may cause teeth clenching at night.
Cocaine use may cause teeth clenching at night.

The consequences of bruxism depend on the severity of the condition. Generally, the teeth become worn and damaged over time. Both fillings and teeth may break, and jaw pain and headaches may occur. Loss of the protective enamel from the teeth can lead to them becoming sensitive and painful. The movement of the jaw may be affected and the jaw muscles may become enlarged.

Bruxism treatment involves finding ways to minimize teeth grinding and clenching. Possible therapies include reducing stress and learning relaxation techniques. Biofeedback and hypnosis can be beneficial. Misaligned teeth may need to be corrected, and a splint or night guard may be worn over the teeth during sleep.

Discussion Comments

clintflint

@umbra21 - Honestly, for me it's not the soreness although I do get very painful muscles sometimes from my jaw clenching at night. It's the tooth damage.

I seem to go through fillings like they were made of glass. They crack all the time and it's because they get so much wear and tear when I grind my teeth at night.

I actually didn't know that you could get a guard for them though. My dentist always just told me that I need to avoid chewing hard things and gum and try to relax, but I guess he's benefiting from my damaged fillings whenever I have to go and get them fixed!

umbra21

@Ana1234 - If you get severe teeth clenching symptoms you might be able to go to your doctor and get a guard to wear at night when you're worried that you'll be doing it.

It can be a serious problem if it becomes a habit and you can cause a lot of damage to your teeth, as well as causing things like headaches, so you might want to consider this, although it can be expensive.

Alternatively, if you wake up sore it might be worth taking a couple of anti-inflammatory pills before bed so that you can combat the soreness before it even starts.

Ana1234

I tend to do this when I'm really stressed about something and it is extremely annoying because the last thing I need is to be grinding my teeth in my sleep and waking up sore in the morning when I'm stressed over something.

I've found that a bit of meditation before bed can help sometimes, but if I'm really angry or worried about something I just have to grin and bear it until the problem goes away.

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    • A cross section of a tooth.
      By: Andrea Danti
      A cross section of a tooth.
    • Jaw pain can be a consequence of bruxism.
      By: detailblick
      Jaw pain can be a consequence of bruxism.
    • Cocaine use may cause teeth clenching at night.
      By: HamsterMan
      Cocaine use may cause teeth clenching at night.