Waking Up with Jaw Pain or Headaches? You May Be Grinding Your Teeth at Night. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common issue that affects many adults, often without them realizing it. If you experience jaw pain, morning headaches, or worn-down teeth, you may be looking for solutions on how to stop grinding teeth at night. However, what many people don’t know is that bruxism is often linked to underlying sleep-related breathing disorders, including sleep apnea. At Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ, we specialize in identifying the root causes of teeth grinding and providing targeted treatment for long-term relief.
While stress and anxiety are common contributors, many cases of nighttime teeth grinding are caused by disruptions in breathing during sleep. If your airway is partially blocked, your body may respond by clenching the jaw and grinding teeth to reopen the airway. This is why bruxism is frequently seen in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other sleep-related breathing disorders.
Not sure if your bruxism is tied to a deeper issue? Here are some indicators:
🔹 Waking up with a sore jaw, headaches, or facial pain
🔹 Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw (TMJ disorder)
🔹 Tooth sensitivity or visible enamel wear
🔹 Disturbed sleep, frequent awakenings, or feeling unrested in the morning
🔹 Loud snoring or gasping for air during sleep (common in sleep apnea patients)
🔹 Neck and shoulder pain from prolonged jaw tension
If you’re suffering from nighttime teeth grinding, the best approach is to address both the symptoms and underlying causes. Here’s what can help:
✔ Oral Appliance Therapy: Custom night guards, orthotics or mandibular advancement devices help protect teeth and improve airway function.
✔ Sleep Apnea Screening: Identifying and treating sleep apnea can reduce bruxism significantly.
✔ TMJ Treatment: Relieving jaw tension through specialized therapies.
✔ Stress Management: Relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes to reduce jaw clenching.
✔ Proper Sleep Positioning: Adjustments to keep your airway open and prevent grinding.
At Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ, we take a comprehensive approach to treating teeth grinding by addressing both jaw-related issues and sleep-disordered breathing. If you’re looking for effective solutions on how to stop grinding teeth at night in Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, or surrounding areas, our expert team is here to help.
Don’t let teeth grinding disrupt your sleep and health—schedule a consultation today to uncover the root cause and find lasting relief.
📍 Serving Richland, Kennewick, Pasco & Eastern WA | 🌐www.columbiatmjandpain.com | 📞
509-581-4456
1363 Columbia Park Trail, Suite 101,
Richland, WA 99352
info@columbiatmjandpain.com
(509) 578-5774
Monday: 8 AM – 12 PM
Tuesday - Thursday: 8 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday: 8 AM – 12 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
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