Bruxism: The teeth disorder you might be sleeping on

If you have trouble sleeping, you might be surprised to learn that your teeth may be to blame.

Bruxism is a condition that causes someone to unconsciously clench or grind their teeth, usually at night. It’s a sleep-related movement disorder that can damage your teeth and put you at a higher risk of other sleep conditions.

According to Bupa Head Dentist Dr Cathryn Madden, bruxism "can happen whilst awake or asleep, with people who are affected by the latter often not aware of the habit”.

Sleep-related bruxism tends to lead to poor quality or disturbed sleep. The condition typically occurs in the early stages of sleep in several cycles, causing people to repeatedly wake up before they enter deep sleep.¹

Bruxism can also lead to other sleep conditions, such as snoring and sleep apnoea.²

As people are often unaware of their bruxism, a visit to the dentist is usually the best way to detect the issue. They can identify signs of bruxism, such as:

• cracked or chipped tooth enamel
• worn down teeth
• broken teeth or restorations (like fillings)
• jaw pain or strain
• sensitive teeth.³

“Those who suffer with sleep apnoea or snore are more likely to sleep with their mouth open, which reduces saliva flow and makes the mouth more prone to opportunistic bacteria,” says Dr Madden.

A good night’s sleep can also help strengthen tooth enamel via essential nutrients like calcium and phosphate.⁴

Moreover, research has identified that poor sleep quality can affect the appearance of facial features, formation of oral structures and development of oral disease.⁵

Good dental health contributes to your overall wellbeing.⁶ And establishing a daily dental routine is the first, all-important step for healthy teeth and gums.

“Maintaining oral health is simple to do by brushing twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste, flossing daily and maintaining a balanced healthy diet which is low in sugar,” says Dr Madden.

“Stress management therapy, relaxation techniques [and] regular exercise have all been shown to promote better quality sleep,” she adds.

It’s also important to address any associated sleep problems. A dental professional can recommend a mouthguard or occlusal splint to reduce stress and wear on your teeth and jaw muscles.

To promote quality sleep, you might also:

• decrease screen time before bed
• establish a routine sleep and wake time
• have good ventilation in your bedroom
• use comfortable bed sheets
• reduce your alcohol and caffeine consumption.