Grinding Teeth in Sleep

We have different pet peeves when it comes to sleeping. Most people will really get irked when they hear somebody snoring. The unusual sounds can be really irritating to the extent that one cannot sleep anymore. We have all been immersed to this kind of sleep disorder. We are all guilty this sleep disorder occasionally especially when we are really exhausted. Few people know that there is a sleep disorder that is similar to snoring specifically to the annoying sounds produced. This sleep disorder is known as grinding teeth.

For some people this is more distracting than snoring. This is because there is an added fear when one hears the grinding sound of teeth. It brings back memories of those popular horror movies. Just imagine teeth gnashing producing the same sounds similar to the movie the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Sleeping with somebody who grinds teeth is one hell of an experience. It is just like sleeping with the enemy wherein you need to be always on guard. Grinding teeth is an excruciating experience especially to the one who does it.

Grinding teeth is rarely occurs in daytime. It is usually more apparent at night. Studies show that grinding teeth in sleep is due to the stress that a person encounters on a daily basis. An individual's teeth grinding is his or her body's way of releasing stress. Usually the sufferer is not aware of this habit or sleep disorder. This is the reason why they usually feel sore on their jaw area when they wake up. They have unexplained headaches or migraine of some sort due to the clenching or gnashing of their jaw. If the occurrence of grinding teeth is chronic, they may even notice that the enamel of their teeth are cracked or broken.

It is important to know that kids are not spared from grinding teeth in sleep. In fact this is a common occurrence since they have not developed their teeth yet. This is not a major threat since kids normally outgrow this condition as they get older. It only becomes a serious condition when there is a noticeable misalignment of teeth or jaw. Adults who have malocclusion which is the abnormality in the coming together of teeth or more commonly known as overbite or underbite should consult a dentist immediately. In this manner, temporomandibular joint problems TMJ (jaw joint) and TMJ Syndrome or TMD (disorder) will be corrected and avoided. If not treated, this can cause loss of hearing and disfigurement of one's face. Grinding teeth is really a serious condition that might even lead to surgery. If it is just related to anxiety and stress, then it can even cause a loss in relationships. One should take time in determining what causes his or her grinding teeth disorder. Once known, then pro-active actions should be taken immediately to cure it. If not, manage the condition in the best manner possible.