Overview

Sleep bruxism involves rhythmic jaw‑muscle activity that can chip enamel, wear down teeth, cause gum disease, inflame TMJs, and trigger morning headaches. Sleep Bruxism occurs during sympathetic nervous system activation during sleep, the most common source of which is Sleep Apnea!

Health Consequences

Sleep Apnea is a common root cause for bruxism. Bruxism should therefore be considered a comorbidity that is vulnerable to untreated Sleep Apnea. In other words, treating Sleep Apnea would be considered part of the management strategy for the bruxism. Studies link bruxism episodes to spikes in sympathetic activity and transient rises in arterial blood pressure—a marker for future cardiovascular disease, not surprising considering bruxism tends to go along with Sleep Apnea. Systematic reviews also reveal a strong association with gastroesophageal reflux, another problem that co-migrates with Sleep Apnea.

Rebis Treatment Approach

• Collaborative co-discovery for competing sources of sleep disruption, using the Five Finger Approach

• Sleep Apnea addressed as appropriate

• Consideration for custom night guards or other oral appliance therapy

• Stress‑biology testing (cortisol, HRV)

• Jaw‑opening myofunctional training

• Physiotherapy & craniosacral bodywork

Benefits of Treatment

In many cases, bruxism is a gateway symptom that allows identification of Sleep Apnea, so all the benefits of treating that problem would apply! Other potential benefits include protecting dental enamel and eliminating headaches and TMD symptoms.