ไทย
Have you ever woken up with jaw pain, temple pain or an aching jaw even though you did not chew anything tough or injure yourself? These symptoms may be a sign of teeth grinding during sleep (Sleep Bruxism), a condition in which the chewing muscles work unconsciously during sleep. However, jaw pain after waking can have other causes too, so an examination is advisable to find the true cause.
What is sleep bruxism? Why does it cause jaw and temple pain?
Sleep Bruxism is a condition in which people grind or clench their teeth, including tensing the jaw muscles, during sleep. People with the condition are usually unaware of it.
When the chewing muscles work hard during sleep, the muscles of the jaw and temples can become fatigued, causing pain or tightness after waking, especially in the Masseter muscle in the cheek and the Temporalis muscle at the temple.
If it happens often or is severe, it can lead to worn teeth, cracked teeth or chronic jaw muscle pain.
Warning signs you may be grinding your teeth in your sleep
Symptoms that occur together with sleep bruxism include:
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Jaw pain or an aching jaw after waking
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Headache at the temples, especially in the morning
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Tightness in the face or chewing muscles
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Worn or chipped teeth, or tooth sensitivity
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Grinding sounds during sleep, which people close to you may notice
However, some people who grind their teeth in their sleep may have no obvious symptoms, so jaw pain alone cannot be used to make a diagnosis.
Can jaw pain after waking have other causes?
Besides teeth grinding, jaw or temple pain may be related to other health issues, such as:
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Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD): may cause pain in the jaw or temples, or clicking sounds when opening the mouth.
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Muscle tension: clenching your teeth while awake or stress may cause the chewing muscles to overwork.
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Dental problems: such as tooth decay, cracked teeth, or inflammation of the teeth and gums.
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Other types of headache: such as migraine or tension headache, which may also cause symptoms at the temples.
If the pain continues, you should have an examination to identify the cause before starting treatment.
How is teeth grinding treated?
The approach to managing teeth grinding depends on its severity and any accompanying problems. Dentists may consider the following methods:
1. Using an occlusal splint (Occlusal Splint)
An occlusal splint is a dental appliance worn during sleep to help protect the teeth from grinding or clenching forces, and it may help relieve muscle pain in some patients. However, an occlusal splint does not stop the grinding behaviour in every case.
2. Changing habits and reducing triggers
Managing stress, getting enough sleep, and cutting down on caffeinated drinks or alcohol, especially before bedtime, may help reduce factors associated with teeth grinding.
3. Caring for the jaw muscles and joints
If you also have pain, your dentist may recommend warm compresses, avoiding hard or sticky foods, and caring for the jaw muscles as appropriate.
When should you see a dentist for jaw or temple pain?
If you regularly have jaw pain after waking, pain when chewing, limited mouth opening, or dental changes such as worn or cracked teeth, you should consult a dentist for an assessment.
If you have sudden severe temple pain, blurred vision or changes in your vision, you should seek urgent medical evaluation, as it may not be caused by teeth grinding.
Care for teeth grinding and jaw pain with TDH Dental
Jaw or temple pain after waking should not be overlooked, especially if it happens often or starts to affect your daily life.
At TDH Dental you can consult an experienced dental team to assess the health of your teeth, chewing muscles and jaw joints, and to consider suitable care such as an Occlusal Splint, tailored to each individual.
Because good oral health is not only about having strong teeth, but also about comfort in daily life and quality of sleep.
