According to Mayo Clinic, bruxism is defined as a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. If you have bruxism during the night, it is called sleep bruxism. If that term doesn’t ring a bell, you may be more familiar with the phrase “nighttime teeth grinding.” They are one in the same. While this sleep habit can be quite disturbing to your bed partner, it can be eve more harmful to your dental health.

Your nightly teeth grinding habit is considered a sleep-related movement disorder. It can wear down your teeth, causing sensitivity, chips and cracks. But sleep bruxism is also commonly associated with TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder. Problems within your jaw joint can be quite uncomfortable, and even impact your quality of life. Sufferers may experience tension headaches, jaw stiffness, jaw pain and other bothersome symptoms. (more…)