Bruxism is the medical term for grinding, clenching, or gnashing the teeth, most commonly during sleep. While occasional teeth grinding is not typically cause for concern, chronic bruxism can lead to significant dental damage, jaw pain, headaches, and disrupted sleep. Bruxism is also closely associated with sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea, making it an important condition to evaluate from a sleep medicine perspective. At Sleep Health & Wellness, Dr. Maria Tovar-Torres assesses bruxism as part of a comprehensive approach to sleep health for patients throughout Metro Detroit.
This information is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Consult with Dr. Tovar-Torres to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation.
Sleep Bruxism — Occurs during sleep and is classified as a sleep-related movement disorder. It is often associated with arousals from sleep and can occur in conjunction with sleep apnea.
Awake Bruxism — Clenching or grinding that occurs during waking hours, often as a response to stress, concentration, or anxiety. This type is more commonly associated with emotional factors.
Symptoms can include:
Evaluation of bruxism at Sleep Health & Wellness includes a review of your symptoms, sleep history, and any dental changes you have noticed. A sleep study may be recommended to assess for concurrent sleep apnea and to document any grinding activity during sleep.
Research has shown a significant association between sleep bruxism and obstructive sleep apnea. It is believed that grinding episodes may occur as a reflexive response to airway obstruction, as the jaw movement can temporarily help reopen the airway. For this reason, patients presenting with bruxism symptoms are often evaluated for sleep apnea as well. Treating underlying sleep apnea can, in many cases, reduce the frequency of bruxism episodes.
Treatment for bruxism is individualized based on contributing factors and severity. Options may include:
When bruxism is associated with sleep-disordered breathing, addressing the underlying apnea often improves bruxism symptoms
A custom night guard or mandibular advancement device prescribed in coordination with a dentist can protect the teeth and reduce grinding forces
Cognitive behavioral strategies and relaxation techniques may benefit patients whose bruxism is driven by stress or anxiety
In some cases, muscle relaxants or other medications may be considered
Dr. Maria Tovar-Torres is board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Sleep Medicine, giving her specialized training in diagnosing and treating complex sleep disorders including bruxism.
We don’t just treat symptoms — we look for underlying causes and related conditions to develop a complete treatment plan.
If a sleep study is needed, you can complete it in the comfort of your own bed rather than spending a night in a sleep lab.
We provide follow-up care to ensure your treatment continues working effectively.
We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and United Healthcare. For more information about accepted insurance plans, view our Insurance and Payments page.
If you are waking up with jaw pain, headaches, or a sense of unrefreshing sleep, or if your dentist has noted signs of teeth wear consistent with grinding, a sleep medicine evaluation is a valuable next step. Bruxism that goes untreated can result in long-term dental damage and ongoing sleep disruption.
Bruxism often cannot be cured outright, but it can be effectively managed. Treatment focuses on protecting the teeth, reducing grinding forces, and addressing underlying contributors such as sleep apnea or stress. Many patients experience significant improvement with the right combination of therapies. Dr. Tovar-Torres will work with you to develop a plan tailored to your specific situation.
Not necessarily. For some patients, treating an underlying condition such as sleep apnea significantly reduces or eliminates bruxism episodes. For others, an oral appliance provides long-term protection while other contributing factors are managed. Dr. Tovar-Torres will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan over time.
