Dentist Rana Stino, left, checks the fit of a retainer on patient Holly Brown on Jan. 20, 2022, in Water … [+]
Nearly one-third of US adults experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. And stress is are often linked for sleep-related problems, preventing people from falling asleep and creating a cycle of insomnia, stress and worry, according to research from the Sleep Foundation. But what is less talked about is teeth grinding, a growing and silent public health issue it disproportionately affects women.
Also known as sleep bruxism, teeth grinding is a common health condition in which a person grinds their teeth or clenches their jaw unconsciously while sleeping. Bruxism is often seen in a dental office, therefore it is important to have regular dental checkups. Women are particularly at risk when it comes to awake bruxism (teeth grinding during the day), but sleep bruxism does not show a gender prevalence.
The exact number of people who grind their teeth is unknown because it often happens during sleep, according to the Cleveland Clinic. But estimates show that teeth grinding affects more than 1 in 10 in their sleep, and anxiety and stress is a major risk factor. Recent research has also shown that relationship between perceived anxiety and gnashing of teeth. Therefore, people suffering from depression and anxiety disorders are more prone to bruxism, which, if left untreated, can further worsen and seriously affect the dental and orofacial (or affecting the mouth and face) areas.
BONN, GERMANY – JUNE 11, 2020: A man sleeps in Bonn, Germany. (Photo by Ute Grabowsky/Photothek via … [+]
A first step to stopping sleep bruxism is practicing good sleep hygiene and, in some cases, seeking professional help to manage stress-related issues. For some, the invention of night guards (aka dental guards) was a great addition to their sleep routine. Night guards can be an effective and reversible treatment for sleep bruxism, and there are many options, including store-bought or do-it-yourself (DIY) night guards created at home. These mouthguards are less expensive than those made by the dentist. However, experts are wary of recommending them due to misfitting and poor quality materials that can cause headaches and jaw pain. Although affordability remains an issue, wearing an over-the-counter night guard may be better than wearing none at all. The main goal is to have a successful sleep because not only is it necessary for strength, energy and endurance, but it also treats teeth grinding and some of our sleep problems.
According to a overview from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, our sleep schedule needs a reset. The research explored regular bedtime routines and offered tips for establishing good sleep habits. For example, common sleep accessories included fans, blackout curtains, and alarm clocks with wake-up lights. Other popular products were weighted blankets, sleep masks, noise machines or apps, and earplugs.
The sage advice of going to bed at the same time every night still holds true as it is one of the keys to a successful and healthy sleep routine. Ultimately, what’s most important is finding ways to calm the mind and body, which can reduce sleep bruxism and chronic stress.
Anxiety disorders affect people and their sleep in different ways. Therefore, addressing this issue using a one-size-fits-all formula is futile because what works for one person may not work for another. The solution is to move beyond the status quo. For example, health professionals should consider personal situations, cultural factors and sleep history and realize that patients are their best advocates.
People who suffer from sleep problems may also consider using multiple approaches to address any sleep problems. These include dealing with stress in therapy, bathing or showering, or finding better coping strategies such as meditation or breathing exercises, to name a few. However, a first step to improving sleep health is empowering people to embrace all aspects of their health, especially their mental health.
Change is hard, but when it comes to our sleep, making better changes is transformative. Stress ruins our sleep. Now is the perfect time to make sure healthy sleep is a priority.
