Waking Up With a Headache or Sore Jaw? You May Be Grinding Your Teeth

The importance of getting a good night’s sleep is something we’ve known for a long time. Restorative sleep not only allows our body to rest and recover from all the day’s activities, but also our mind. But the whole experience is far from restorative when you wake up in pain.

If you’re suffering from repeated bouts of jaw pain and headaches when you wake up in the morning, you may be grinding your teeth during the night.

In the blog, Thomas Eaton, DDS, in Ione, California, breaks down teeth grinding, the harm it can cause, and how to stop the pain. 

Teeth grinding (bruxism) explained

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a fairly common condition that affects an estimated 30 to 40 million children and adults in the United States. As its name suggests, teeth grinding is the gnashing of teeth as well as excessive jaw clenching. Teeth grinding can happen at any time of day, but many people do it unconsciously in their sleep and wake up with facial pain, particularly in the jaw, as well as with headaches or an earache.

Over time, chronic teeth grinding can lead to chipped, damaged, or worn-down teeth as well as tooth loss and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome.  

Dentists are experts in the mechanics of the jaw

The good news is that you don’t have to continue to suffer. With his extensive knowledge of the mechanics of the jaw and mouth, Dr. Eaton is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat bruxism. Dentists undergo rigorous clinical training and education in the muscles of the face and how the jaw functions, as well as the biomechanics of chewing.  

First, Dr. Eaton conducts a thorough examination of your teeth, looking for signs of excessive wear that may be caused by teeth grinding or other factors, such as abrasive foods, acidic soft drinks, or aggressive brushing. 

Stress and other factors contribute to teeth grinding

Bruxism tends to run in families. Some experts attribute it to a nervous habit, which is more common among competitive Type A personalities. While excessive stress is a leading cause of teeth grinding, other factors, such as poor tooth alignment and certain medications, particularly antidepressants like fluoxetine and paroxetine, may also contribute to this condition.

Bruxism can also be associated with medical conditions like mental health and medical conditions like Parkinson's disease, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), dementia, epilepsy, sleep apnea, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Treatment and prevention

If your Dr. Eaton determines that your symptoms are caused by teeth grinding, he’ll decide if you need treatment. Many children simply outgrow the habit, and some adult bruxism cases may not be deemed severe enough to require treatment.

If treatment is necessary, Dr. Eaton will fabricate a custom appliance that prevents your teeth from coming into contact with each other while you sleep. This prevents further damage to your teeth and the temporomandibular joint. 

If you wake up with a headache or jaw pain and want to determine if you are experiencing teeth grinding, please call Dr. Eaton or request an appointment online today.