GoKawiilIf you wake up with tooth, jaw, ear or head pain you may have sleep bruxism, which that means you grind or clench your teeth when you sleep. If you have a mild case, you can try to treat it at home. And assuming you have a milder case, there are some natural ways to reduce teeth grinding.
If you have a more severe case or it doesn't improve, make sure you see your dentist or doctor for treatment.
Why do I grind my teeth when I sleep?
Before we explain how to stop grinding your teeth, let's take a step back and look at what causes this condition in the first place. There are several risk factors for sleep bruxism, including:
Anxiety and stress
Taking certain medications, including some antidepressants
Having an aggressive, competitive or tense tendency or personality
Unhealthy lifestyle habits, like drinking alcohol, smoking and consuming too much caffeine
People who grind their teeth during sleep are more likely to have other sleep disorders as well, such as snoring or sleep apnea, according to the Mayo Clinic.
In some cases, grinding your teeth at night can cause damaged or loose teeth, headaches and jaw or facial pain. Fortunately, though, there are a few natural ways to reduce bruxism and enjoy more restful sleep without taking medication or undergoing surgery.
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