why do i grinde me teeth when i sleep?

Question

lately ive been grinding my teeth really bad in my sleep and i wake up with a sore jaw, why am i doing this and how can i stop?

Answer 1

Girl, I do the exact same thing! I asked my doctor about it, and she said it is an involuntary action caused by high levels of stress! I only do it when I'm in a deep sleep. She also said that there is a "contraption" on the market that you can wear when you sleep that protects your jaws and teeth! it's a clear plastic mouth guard that comfortably rests on your teeth. I've heard they are really good...although I have yet to try one personally! I need to though! Good Luck!

Answer 2

Exact causes of bruxism are not fully known. The condition affects adults more commonly than children and men and women in about equal measure. It is believed to be stress-related and emotional factors such as anxiety, anger, pain and frustration are associated with night time teeth grinding. People with extremely busy lifestyles, or who are competitive or aggressive by nature are more likely to grind their teeth. Some sleep disorders can stimulate grinding of the teeth and in all cases drinking alcohol will worsen the damage of teeth grinding.
Here are some things to try,
Make an appointment with your dentist, who will make a custom mouthpiece for you to wear at night. This will prevent further damage to your teeth and may reduce your tendency to grind.A friend of mine tried this but had no success!
Ask your dentist to file down your "high spots," which are any teeth that interfere with a comfortable, aligned bite.
Hold a warm, damp cloth next to your face for 10 minutes before you go to bed to help calm your jaw muscles.
Relax before bedtime by meditating, taking a hot bath or stretching.
Reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption.
Learn to reduce stress. Take stress management classes and learn relaxation techniques.
Researchers are investigating the use of periodic injections of botulinum toxin (BTX) to treat severe teeth grinding. Ask your dentist for more information if you're interested.
If you wake up with headaches, ear pain, or pain in your jaw, or if your teeth look misaligned, call your dentist.

Answer 3

There are many reason for this, stress, injury, tight jaw muscles. I treat people with TMJ problem such as grinding of teeth every day. I am a chiropractor. I suggest looking for a good chiropractor in your area that can help you. I suggest looking at www.sorsi.com to locate a doctor near you.

Answer 4

Babies and young people grind their teeth also. Strongly recommended to get a professional nightguard made at your dentist. I am a hygienist and have seen many horrible teeth ground down to nothing through years of grinding.

Answer 5

Several people are suggesting mouthguards. do your research before you invest. I used one. It was difficult to adjust to. I tried, used medications etc. I gave up after spending hundreds of dollars. Recently I learned they are over rated and really don't work. I wish I had looked into alternative methods as some people have suggested. through the years I ground my teeth down badly and now I have a mouth full of crowns and root canals.

Answer 6

Start by asking yourself what you are so angry/stressed about that you just want to bite and chew it up? Really, you might not be aware of it consciously, but inside you something has you very angry! Start there and resolve that and then the need to grind will go away!

Answer 7

It could be something with your jaw, i know my brother was the same until he went to a deep tissue massage therapist, and had his jaw - face massaged, and that worked for him to make it stop.

Answer 8

The medical name for this is bruxism.
This can cause broken teeth and gum problems.
You can buy an appliance to wear at night, from your drug store.

Answer 9

What are you , a pirate ? Arrrgh ! Why do I grind me teeth when I sleep ?

Answer 10

My dad did that - stress or being nervous about things did it. How to stop though? maybe try relaxing more , not stressing about things.