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What causes teeth grinding during sleep?

Sep 22, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
In general, teeth grinding during sleep may be related to factors such as improper sleeping posture, excessive stress, dental malformations, indigestion, and intestinal parasitic infections. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a doctor. In daily life, one can adjust sleeping posture and avoid eating before bedtime.

Generally, teeth grinding during sleep may be related to improper sleeping posture, excessive stress, dental malocclusion, indigestion, or intestinal parasitic infection. If discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Specific explanations are as follows:

1. Improper Sleeping Posture

When sleeping on the back with the head positioned too high, the jaw muscles may become tense, potentially triggering teeth grinding. Adjusting sleeping posture and using an appropriate pillow to ensure proper support for the head and neck may help alleviate this issue.

2. Excessive Stress

Prolonged mental tension, heavy workloads, or emotional fluctuations may lead to muscle tension, making teeth grinding more likely during sleep. Engaging in relaxing activities before bedtime—such as taking a bath, listening to music, or reading—can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality.

3. Dental Malocclusion

Long-term bad oral habits such as nail-biting, pen-chewing, or lip-biting may lead to dental malocclusion. Misaligned teeth can increase strain on the chewing muscles, resulting in nighttime teeth grinding, often accompanied by symptoms like tooth wear and gum damage. Orthodontic treatment under a dentist's guidance—such as wearing corrective appliances to realign teeth into their proper positions—can help achieve well-aligned dentition.

4. Indigestion

Overeating or irregular eating habits before bedtime may cause indigestion. When food remains in the stomach for prolonged periods, the brain cells regulating digestion may become overstimulated, leading to teeth grinding during sleep. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and a feeling of fullness. Treatment under medical supervision may include medications such as multienzyme tablets, Jianwei Xiaoshi tablets, or itopride hydrochloride tablets.

5. Intestinal Parasite Infection

Consuming unwashed fruits and vegetables or undercooked meat may lead to intestinal parasite infection. Parasites can secrete toxins in the intestines, causing teeth grinding during sleep, often accompanied by symptoms such as fever, weight loss, and fatigue. Treatment under medical guidance may include antiparasitic medications such as albendazole tablets, mebendazole tablets, or praziquantel tablets.

In daily life, adjusting sleeping posture and avoiding eating close to bedtime are recommended measures.

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