How would I know if I grind my teeth at night?

Question

I sometimes dream I'm grinding my teeth. How would I know I grind my teeth if I'm sleeping?

Answer 1

It's called "bruxism" and if you're dreaming about it, you probably are in a semi-sleep and doing it, or you're doing it and waking yourself up. Your dentist can check for "wear patterns" but that means a trip there, a copay (if you have ins) or another bill!
If you're only doing it once in a while--you are stressed! Do some yoga stretches, deep breathing, etc before bed. Try to remove the stressor in your life.
If you're doing it enough to feel it in the morning (sore jaw)--you can purchase a nightime brace for yourself at any drugstore--they're about 20-30$.
Good luck with that!

Answer 2

You may experience a sore jaw or sore teeth in the morning, or have a headache when you wake up. You also may not have any obvious signs, but when the dentist looks at your teeth, he or she may see signs of wear.
Bruxism will wear down the cusps (points) on your teeth, depending on what area you grind on more it may be apparent on one side or the molars or the canines.
If you clench your teeth, you may not have wear, but some studies have introduced the idea that if you have tori (bony growths on the bottom of your mouth) you most likely clench your teeth. This is thought to be your body protecting itself against a broken jaw. I know I clench and I have tori.
Best thing to do is see your dentist, they can make you a custom fit nightguard which will protect your teeth at night, when you cant stop yourself from clenching or grinding. These are more expensive than the ones you can buy in the store, but they are MUCH more comfortable. I don't know how some people can sleep with those bulky things from the drugstore! But think of it as an investment in your teeth, if you don't stop the wear of your teeth, then you may need crowns and reconstructive work later in life and that will be much more expensive than a nightguard!

Answer 3

There are a number of symptoms and signs that can suggest that one is suffering from teeth grinding even if it is a completely unconscious act. A bruxism sufferer would most likely experience some kind of facial pain usually centered around the jaw. In turn, this may lead to earaches and contractions in the jaw muscles.

Answer 4

You are correct to be concerned. You should find a dentist who will make you a nightguard (splint) to keep you from damaging your teeth when you grind at night. A homemade one is not good because all the teeth don't touch with those and the bite can shift. Take care. (Our office charges about $400 for these.)

Answer 5

Saw jaw, sensitive teeth. Go to a dentist and find out for sure as you will be doing damage

Answer 6

Well, as you where told, on one side -ask your boy friend- . on the other hand there are some sighns and simptoms, like.... you have lost thooth surface (they are flattening down) and also if you have head aches when you wake up...

The treatment can be interdisciplinary. on one hand try to relax ant that can be translated as seeking a psicologist help (that does not signify you have gone bananas).

On the other side, go to your dentist and he can make you an acrilic plake (in spanish it is a "férula"), i'm not sure of it's translation.

Answer 7

I grind my teeth... You may have T M J like i do. There is a motuh guard you should wear at night.

Answer 8

you can ask your dentist he/she can help you out with this problem. a lot of people who do this have TMJ problem with their jaw..
and a Chiropractor can also help you out with this problem too.
and a dentist can also make a device that goes between your teeth to realign your jaw so you stop grinding your teeth..

see your doctor..p;ease

smile
good luck

Answer 9

set a sound recorder throughout the night

Answer 10

Your dentist can tell you from the wear pattern.

Thats how I found out.