Why Do I Clench or Grind My Teeth?

Written by Megan DeWalt, RDH, OMT of Advanced Myofunctional Therapy.

Clenching and/or grinding is referred to as bruxism. You may be able to recognize bruxism yourself or your dental provider may see signs of excessive wear/force in the mouth. Signs include wearing down the biting surfaces of your teeth, gingival recession, abfraction (pie shaped cut outs at the gumline), increased tooth sensitivity (not related to decay), maxillary or mandibular tori (excess bone development on the roof of the mouth or inside the lower front teeth). 

Nighttime clenching or grinding (or chomping or chewing) is most commonly associated with Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB). SDB is a fancy term for what is happening physiologically when our airway is either restricted or obstructed (as is the case in Obstructive Sleep Apnea). Breathing through the mouth and/or an improper tongue position are common reasons for restricted or obstructed breathing. When the mouth is open, the tongue falls to the floor of the mouth and slides back into the airway. This causes a narrowing of the airway, resulting in either loud/audible breathing or snoring. Breathing should never be audible, it should be soft and silent. 

When the brain detects a restriction or obstruction of airflow, it will fall out of its sleep cycle to protect the airway. This, in turn, activates our sympathetic nervous system response (i.e. fight or flight). In order to get air flowing again, the tongue must get out of the way, so the brain will either squeeze the jaws together so as not to let the tongue come any further back or will physically move the jaw around (grind the teeth). Our tongue is attached to the lower jaw, when it moves, the tongue moves along with it. The threat has been resolved…. until the mouth falls open once again. The cycle ensues throughout the night. 

A night of clenching/grinding, can lead to inflammation and tension of the muscles upon waking. Poor sleep quality and increased stress leads to tight muscles and TMJ concerns. 

Myofunctional therapy teaches you how to maintain a healthy breathing pattern at night (and during the day) with a proper tongue resting position into the roof of your mouth, or more specifically, out of the airway. This results in a restful nights sleep with the parasympathetic nervous system activated to promote a rest and digest slumber. 

To learn more about Myofunctional Therapy or to schedule with Megan DeWalt, visit www.advancedmyofunctionaltherapy.com.