It’s very common for adults to grind their teeth at night. Did you know there’s a correlation between teeth grinding and sleep apnea? Teeth grinding is often caused by undiagnosed sleep apnea. In fact, 1 in 4 adults with sleep apnea grind their teeth [source].
Some common signs of sleep apnea & teeth grinding are:
- Exhaustion after a full night’s sleep
- Interrupted sleep during the night
- Snoring
- Sore jaw muscles
- Worn enamel on your teeth
Did you know children can experience symptoms of sleep apnea and teeth grinding as well? Repeated pauses in sleep, small gasps for breath, and bedwetting are all symptoms to look out for with your child.
Here are some easy tips to follow that will help you or your child relax before bed [source]:
- Avoid sugary drinks or caffeine later in the afternoon.
- Keep the room dark and cool.
- Limit screen time in the evenings.
- Stretch and practice breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth.
- Create a bedtime routine.
If you think you’re suffering from sleep apnea or teeth grinding, make an appointment today and visit with Dr. Brady on treatment options.