Gnashing and grinding your teeth while you sleep? You aren’t alone. Also known as sleep bruxism, an estimated 5% to 8% of people grind their teeth in their sleep. It can lead to several issues, including damaged teeth, jaw discomfort and facial soreness. There is some good news, though: If you have a mild case of sleep bruxism, you may be able to treat it without seeking medical care.
Keep reading to find natural remedies for nighttime teeth grinding, including exercises and lifestyle changes. 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: 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.
- Grinding and clenching of teeth while sleeping
- Damage to teeth, jaw discomfort, and facial soreness
- Natural remedies and lifestyle changes to treat bruxism