Nearly 8% of Adults Grind Teeth in Their Sleep, Experts Say
An estimated 8% of adults experience sleep bruxism, an involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth during sleep, potentially leading to dental damage and sleep disruption.
Sleep bruxism, distinct from awake bruxism, often goes unnoticed by the individual. “People are usually unaware of the condition,” explains Dr. Subha Giri, a dental sleep medicine expert at the Mayo Clinic, noting that it’s frequently identified by bed partners who hear sounds like grating, tapping, or clicking during the night. The condition is more prevalent in children and adolescents, affecting 14% to 18% of this age group.
While the exact cause remains unclear, experts suggest a genetic component and association with conditions like sleep apnea, Parkinson’s disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Risk factors also include stress, anxiety, alcohol use, smoking, excessive caffeine, and certain medications, such as SSRIs. Dentists can often detect bruxism through patterns of tooth wear, like flattening or damage to tooth surfaces, and diagnosis can be confirmed through a sleep study – a detailed assessment of brain and body activity during sleep, as described by Dr. Hosam Alraqiq of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Untreated bruxism can contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and significantly impact quality of life.
Treatment options range from custom-fitted nightguards to protect teeth from damage, to lifestyle adjustments like maintaining a regular sleep schedule and limiting caffeine. Relaxation techniques and cognitive behavioral therapy can also help manage underlying stress and anxiety. In some severe cases, botulinum toxin injections may be considered to temporarily relax jaw muscles, according to Dr. Michelle Drerup of the Cleveland Clinic. For more information on sleep disorders, visit the Sleep Foundation.
Healthcare providers emphasize the importance of evaluation by a dentist or physician for those experiencing symptoms, and ongoing research continues to explore more effective management strategies for this common condition.
