Bruxism and Sleep Apnoea: Connection & Treatments

 Do you ever wake up with a sore jaw or a headache? Does your partner complain about your loud snoring? These might seem like separate issues, but they could be linked to two common conditions: bruxism and sleep apnoea. In Australia, many people experience these problems without realising how much they can impact their daily lives and overall health. Let’s dig into what bruxism and sleep apnoea are, how they’re connected, and what you can do about them.

What is Bruxism?

Imagine you’re really stressed, maybe stuck in traffic, and you find yourself clenching your teeth. That’s a bit like bruxism, but it often happens without you even knowing it, especially when you’re asleep.

Bruxism is the medical term for grinding, clenching, or gnashing your teeth. It can happen during the day (awake bruxism) or, more commonly, at night while you’re sleeping (sleep bruxism).

• Awake bruxism usually involves clenching your jaw tightly, often when you’re focused, stressed, or angry. You might notice it if you catch yourself doing it.
• Sleep bruxism is trickier because you’re unconscious. It involves rhythmic clenching and grinding of your teeth. The sounds can sometimes be loud enough to wake your sleeping partner!

Many things can contribute to bruxism, including stress, anxiety, certain medications, and even lifestyle choices like too much caffeine or alcohol. But as we’ll see, there’s a strong link with breathing issues during sleep.

What is Sleep Apnoea?

Have you ever seen someone suddenly stop breathing while they’re asleep, only to gasp for air a few seconds later? That’s often a sign of sleep apnoea.

Sleep apnoea is a serious sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you’re asleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). This happens when the muscles in your throat relax too much, causing the soft tissues to collapse and block your airway.

When breathing stops, your brain senses you’re not getting enough oxygen. It then briefly wakes you up – often so briefly that you don’t even remember it – to get you to start breathing again. This can happen hundreds of times a night, preventing you from getting the deep, restful sleep you need.

Common signs of sleep apnoea include:

• Loud and frequent snoring
• Pauses in breathing during sleep
• Waking up gasping or choking
• Feeling very tired during the day, even after a full night’s sleep
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating

How Bruxism and Sleep Apnoea are Connected

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. While bruxism and sleep apnoea are different conditions, they often go hand-in-hand. Research has shown a strong connection between the two, particularly with sleep bruxism and obstructive sleep apnoea.

Think about it this way: when your airway is blocked during sleep apnea, your body tries to find ways to open it up again. One way it instinctively tries to do this is by clenching or grinding your teeth. This jaw movement can help briefly move your lower jaw forward, which in turn can open up your airway just enough to let you breathe.

So, in many cases, bruxism isn’t just about stress; it can be a reflex action by your body trying to overcome a blocked airway during sleep. It’s like your body is trying to “fight for air” while you’re asleep. This is why many people who grind their teeth at night may also have undiagnosed sleep apnoea.

Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism and Sleep Apnoea

It’s important to know the signs so you can seek help.

Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism

• Worn-down, chipped, or fractured teeth: The constant grinding can really take a toll on your pearly whites.
• Increased tooth sensitivity: Damaged enamel can make your teeth more sensitive to hot or cold.
• Sore or tired jaw muscles: Your jaw can ache, especially in the morning.
• Headaches: Often a dull headache that starts in your temples.
• Earaches: Can sometimes feel like an earache, but it’s actually referred pain from your jaw.
• Pain or soreness in your face: Your facial muscles can feel tender.
• Clicking or popping in your jaw joint (TMJ): This is your temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull.
• Indentation on your tongue or inside of your cheek: From pressing your tongue or cheek against your teeth.

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea

• Loud and frequent snoring: Often, the first thing a partner notices.
• Witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep: Your partner might tell you that you stop breathing.
• Gasping or choking during sleep: You might wake yourself up with this.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness: Feeling tired no matter how much you sleep.
• Morning headaches: Due to a lack of oxygen during the night.
• Irritability and mood changes: Constant sleep deprivation can affect your mood.
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems: Your brain isn’t getting enough rest.
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking: From mouth breathing or snoring.

How Bruxism Affects Oral Health

Bruxism can cause serious damage to teeth and the mouth. Imagine constantly sanding down your teeth—that’s essentially what grinding does.

• Tooth Damage: It can wear away the protective enamel, leading to sensitivity and increasing the risk of cavities. Teeth can also chip, crack, or even fracture. In severe cases, teeth might need root canals or even extraction.
• Gum Problems: Excessive force can also stress the supporting structures of your teeth, including your gums and the bone around them, which can worsen gum disease.
• Jaw Problems (TMJ Disorders): The constant strain on your jaw muscles and the temporomandibular joint can lead to pain, stiffness, and difficulty opening and closing your mouth. This is often called a TMJ disorder.
• Dental Work Damage: If you have fillings, crowns, or other dental work, bruxism can damage or loosen them, leading to costly repairs.

How Sleep Apnoea Affects Overall Health

Sleep apnoea is more than just feeling tired; it can have significant long-term effects on your overall health.

• Cardiovascular Problems: Untreated sleep apnoea increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). This is because the repeated drops in oxygen put stress on your heart.
• Diabetes: There’s a strong link between sleep apnoea and type 2 diabetes, as sleep deprivation can affect how your body uses insulin.
• Weight Gain: Fatigue can lead to less physical activity and hormonal changes that make it harder to lose weight.
• Daytime Fatigue and Accidents: The constant exhaustion can impair your concentration and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents, especially while driving.
• Mental Health Issues: Chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to depression, anxiety, and irritability.
• Weakened Immune System: Lack of restful sleep can weaken your body’s ability to fight off infections.

Treatment Options for Bruxism and Sleep Apnoea

Good news! Both conditions can be managed, and often, treating one can help the other.

Treatment Options for Bruxism

• Mouthguards or Night Guards: These custom-fitted oral appliances are worn at night. They create a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth, protecting them from the grinding forces and reducing jaw strain. A dentist like dentist St Marys can create a custom night guard for you.
• Stress Management: Since stress is a big factor, techniques like meditation, yoga, exercise, and therapy can help reduce bruxism.
• Biofeedback: This involves using sensors to help you become more aware of muscle activity, so you can learn to control jaw movements.
• Medication: In some cases, muscle relaxants might be prescribed for a short period to ease severe pain.
• Dental Corrections: If tooth wear is severe, your dentist might recommend reshaping the chewing surfaces of your teeth or adding crowns.

Sleep Apnoea Treatment

• Lifestyle Changes: For mild cases, weight loss, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed, and sleeping on your side can help.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy: This is the most common and effective treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnoea. A CPAP machine delivers a continuous stream of air through a mask worn over your nose or mouth, keeping your airway open while you sleep.
• Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnoea: These are custom-made devices, often resembling a mouthguard, that fit in your mouth and gently reposition your lower jaw and tongue to keep your airway open during sleep. They are a good option for mild to moderate sleep apnoea or if you can’t tolerate CPAP.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery might be an option to remove excess tissue in the throat or reposition the jaw, but it’s usually considered a last resort.
• Positional Therapy: Devices that help you stay on your side during sleep can be helpful.

Managing Both Conditions Simultaneously

Since bruxism and sleep apnoea are often linked, a combined approach is often the best. Treating your sleep apnoea can often reduce or even stop your bruxism.

• CPAP users: Many people find their bruxism lessens or disappears once their sleep apnoea is effectively managed with CPAP.
• Oral appliances: A custom-made oral appliance for sleep apnoea can also provide a protective barrier for your teeth, much like a night guard, while simultaneously helping to keep your airway open. This can be a very effective “two-in-one” solution.
• Holistic Approach: Working with your dentist and a sleep specialist is crucial. Your dentist can assess your oral health and recommend a night guard or oral appliance, while a sleep specialist can diagnose and manage your sleep apnoea.

When to See a Dentist or Doctor for Bruxism and Sleep Apnoea

Don’t wait until things get worse. If you notice any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above, it’s time to act.

See your Dentist if you experience:

• Worn-down, sensitive, or damaged teeth.
• Frequent jaw pain, headaches, or facial pain.
• Difficulty opening or closing your mouth.
• Your partner mentions you grind your teeth at night.

Your dentist, especially one focused on oral health in areas like St Marys, can examine your teeth and jaw, and they might be the first to spot signs of bruxism or even suggest you get tested for sleep apnoea. They can also provide a custom night guard or discuss oral appliances for sleep apnoea.

See your Doctor (GP) or a Sleep Specialist/Expert if you experience:

• Loud, chronic snoring.
• Pauses in breathing during sleep (reported by a partner).
• Gasping or choking during sleep.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness, even after enough sleep.
• Waking up with morning headaches or a dry mouth.
• You’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, or other health issues that could be linked to sleep apnoea.

Your GP can refer you to a sleep specialist for a sleep study, which is the best way to diagnose sleep apnoea.

Conclusion

Bruxism and sleep apnoea are common conditions that can significantly impact your health and quality of life. The connection between them means that if you have one, it’s worth investigating the other. Understanding the signs, seeking early diagnosis, and exploring the various treatment options available can protect your oral health, improve your sleep, and boost your overall well-being. 

Don’t ignore those sore jaws or loud snores – they could be your body telling you something important.

Take Action for Better Sleep and Health!

If you suspect you might be grinding your teeth or experiencing symptoms of sleep apnoea, don’t delay!

Contact your local dentist to discuss your concerns. They can assess your oral health, check for signs of bruxism, and guide you on the next steps, including whether a sleep study is recommended. 

Taking proactive steps now can lead to a healthier, more restful future!

Source: Bruxism and Sleep Apnoea: Connection & Treatments