A 31-year-old member asked:
please explain why people grind their teeth when they are sleeping?
2 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. David Mcnayanswered
Dentistry 26 years experience
Possibly...: Some folks go to bed hungry, but most grind as a part of their anatomical predisposition. The distance the upper jaw sits from the lower, the amount of stress the person undergoes, the musculoskeletal alignment, the placement of the teeth, and other things contribute. Best bet to stop it is a well-made night guard made by a dentist. This would be my encouragement unless the sound helps you sleep.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Gary Klugmananswered
Dentistry 46 years experience
Lots of reasons: For some people it is built in neurologically, others it is a symptom of a disease. Some do it because of stress, some because their teeth don't fit together.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 52-year-old member asked:
How can sleep specialists help with my teeth grinding?
6 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in

Dr. Sherin Ibrahim Howettanswered
Sleep Medicine 18 years experience
Depends on the cause: A sleep specialist would likely order an overnight sleep study to evaluate if you are grinding/clenching your teeth at night. This could be related to sleep apnea which is also diagnosed during the overnight study. Treatment options can include a dental device to prevent tooth damage or in some cases antidepressants can be prescribed that help with symptoms. Speak to your doctor about it.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. John Van der Werff commented
Dentistry 39 years experience
However one of the side affects of antidepressants is teeth grinding...
Feb 16, 2013
Prattville, AL
A 40-year-old female asked:
What causes teeth grinding while sleeping?
5 doctor answers • 13 doctors weighed in

A Verified Doctoranswered
A US doctor answeredLearn more
Malocclusion: Malocclusion of teeth cause grinding. Teeth are trying to touch each other, if they don't touch (malocclusion) they gring due to the void. Mouth guard (night slpint) fills that potential gap which may prevent TMJ pain, or headaches. Dentist may make a mouth guard for you, some people buy a sport mouth guard and use it when they sleep. See your dentist.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Rwanda
A 32-year-old male asked:
I grind my teeth at while I am sleeping. Read about the condition and its called bruxism. What remedy or treatment is there?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michael H. T. Siaanswered
Pediatrics 31 years experience
See below:: Therapies:
stress management; dental approaches-mouth guard/appliances;correcting misaligned teeth; behavior therapy (change the behavior by practicing proper mouth and jaw position by concentrating on resting your tongue upward with your teeth apart and your lips closed); medications (in general-not very effective for treatment of bruxism).
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Is grinding your teeth during sleep an issue?
5 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Lonna Larshanswered
Family Medicine 30 years experience
Yes: It will wear down your teeth. In addition, it can cause increased tension in the muscles of your head and neck, leading to headaches.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
What is the cause of teeth grinding during sleep? How can it be stopped?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. LEONARD FAZIOanswered
Dentistry 33 years experience
Maybe: Aside from subconscious stressors, some postulate that teeth grinding may be a side effect of microorganism overgrowth in the gut. The side effect of which can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.
Dental causes may include improper bite relaqtionships caused by orthodontics, extractions, and dental restorations ( fillings, caps & bridges)
actually "curing" this condition is tricky.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Last updated Sep 22, 2013
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