Does Alcohol Cause Bruxism? What to Know About Teeth Grinding
Alcohol is a familiar drink featured in many social occasions and celebrations. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reported that 66.5 percent of American adults consumed alcohol within one year. We have already talked about how an everyday, much-loved beverage such as coffee could have links with TMJ problems, teeth grinding, and jaw clenching. Now let's talk about its companion — the alcohol.
While an occasional drink may seem harmless, alcohol can affect your sleep in ways that may influence nighttime teeth grinding. In this blog, we will examine the possible link between alcohol and sleep bruxism, how the consumption of alcohol could harm your mouth, and how you can protect your teeth by using a dental guard.
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Can Alcohol Cause or Worsen Sleep Bruxism?
So, how exactly can alcohol influence what happens to your jaw and teeth while you sleep?
How Alcohol May Affect Sleep and Teeth Grinding
It is a common depiction in movies and hearsay that alcohol makes you sleepy or drowsy. Indeed, research has shown that alcohol can help you fall asleep faster at night. However, that doesn't necessarily mean you'll get better sleep. According to the Sleep Foundation, alcohol can interfere with your normal sleep patterns, affecting how your body moves through the different stages of sleep throughout the night.
As stress is considered to be one of the common triggers of bruxism, another factor which can influence your stress level is the lack of sleep, which might also have some effect on the development of nighttime bruxism. Research has also found a link between sleep disturbances and bruxism, suggesting that poor sleep may contribute to nighttime teeth grinding.
Does the Amount of Alcohol Matter?
However, if you do consume alcohol, it would be wise for you to keep your consumption in moderation and refrain from drinking alcohol before bedtime. In general, as per Healthline, an alcoholic drink has about 14 grams (0.6 ounces) of alcohol. It is roughly equal to a 12 ounce beer, a 5 ounce wine, or 1.5 ounce distilled spirits.
Studies have shown that alcohol abuse is potentially related to bruxism. Alcohol consumption may disturb your sleep, leading to bruxism or worsening existing bruxism. The frequency and quantity of alcohol intake may affect one's oral health. Excessive alcohol consumption may alter the oral microbiome balance and cause inflammation in the mouth, weakening the body's immune system and increasing the chances of periodontal disease.
How Alcohol-Related Bruxism Can Affect Your Oral Health
Bruxism puts repeated pressure on your teeth and jaw, which can lead to several oral health problems if left unmanaged, according to the National Institue of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR).
Tooth Wear and Enamel Damage
Tooth wearing is one of the common signs of teeth grinding. Because of constant grinding of the teeth, the outermost layer of enamel of the tooth gets worn off; hence, causing sensitivity to heat, coldness, or sweets.
Cracks and Chips
Persistent grinding can put enough pressure on your teeth to contribute to chips, cracks, or other damage. Over time, repeated stress may weaken the tooth structure and make it more vulnerable to further damage.
Jaw Pain and Headaches
Bruxism is not just a problem for your teeth; it can cause your jaw muscles to be overworked as well during sleep. This will leave you waking up with a sore and tired jaw, or facial pain and a headache especially at the temples or forehead.
Damage to Dental Work
If you have had fillings, crowns, or veneers placed, then the constant grinding might also have an impact on your restorative treatments. The constant pressure exerted on your mouth can be responsible for causing wear or damage.
How to Reduce the Impact of Nighttime Teeth Grinding
Even though there may be times where it isn't possible for you to avoid bruxism, there are a number of easy ways that can be used to manage it.
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Limit alcohol before bedtime: Avoid drinking close to bedtime, especially if it worsens your grinding.
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Cut back on evening caffeine: Limit coffee and other caffeinated drinks later in the day.
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Practice good sleep habits: Stick to a consistent sleep schedule and relaxing bedtime routine.
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Manage stress: Try simple relaxation techniques like deep breathing, stretching, or meditation.
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Use a customized mouth guard: Help prevent teeth from wearing down due to grinding at night.
Protect Your Smile From Nighttime Grinding With a Custom Dental Guard
Teeth grinding at night puts extra pressure on your teeth, and while dental guards may not stop bruxism, they can help protect your teeth while you sleep. At ClearClub, you'll find custom dental guards that provide a layer of cushioning between your teeth for a more comfortable night's sleep. Make sure your smile is protected with ClearClub's dental guards.
Our subscription plan is available for our clear, color, and multi-color dental guard options, so you can get consistent and fresh replacements for your guard.
Give your teeth the protection they need—get your custom dental guard from ClearClub today.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can alcohol cause nighttime teeth grinding?
While alcohol does not necessarily cause bruxism, it can interfere with your normal sleep cycle and may contribute to nighttime teeth grinding in some people.
❓ What damage can nighttime teeth grinding cause?
Regular teeth grinding can cause tooth wear, sensitivity, chipping, cracking, jaw pain, and headaches. It may also damage teeth that have dental work, such as fillings or crowns.
❓ Can a dental guard help with alcohol-related teeth grinding?
A mouthguard may not cure bruxism, but it can help protect your teeth from damage caused by nighttime grinding and clenching.
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