Bruxism and sleep apnea: everything you need to know with Studio Dentaire

According to Inserm, one person in ten suffers from sleep apnea. As for bruxism, it affects 10 to 15% of the French population, according to the Dentaly website. These are significant figures, especially as the two disorders can occur simultaneously. What are their symptoms and causes? What treatments exist for bruxism and sleep apnea?

What is bruxism?

This term refers to involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, occurring mainly at night. Bruxism can be caused by a variety of factors: anxiety, stress, misalignment of the jaws… The main symptoms of this phenomenon are as follows:

jaw pain on waking;
stiff neck and jaw muscles;
headaches or backaches ;
abnormal tooth wear ;
excessive fatigue, sleep and mood disorders.

Untreated bruxism can lead to periodontal disease.

What is sleep apnea?

Also known as SAHOS, for “obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome”, this nocturnal disorder is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing. It is caused by obstruction of the airways and can lead to poor oxygenation of the body. Signs suggestive of sleep apnea are essentially :

loud, repeated and long-lasting snoring ;
frequent awakenings and poor sleep quality;
feeling tired in the morning and throughout the day.

The risk of sleep apnea is increased by factors such as age, obesity and smoking.

Is there a link between sleep apnea and bruxism?

Because they reduce sleep quality and prevent normal recovery at night, these two disorders have a real impact on quality of life. They also affect the oral and general health of sufferers. The two can be linked: sometimesapnea leads to bruxism, due to respiratory stress and the efforts the body has to make to combat the lack of oxygen.

In all cases, it’s best to consult a specialist at the slightest symptom. Only a competent health professional can diagnose bruxism or sleep apnea, and set up a suitable treatment.

How to treat teeth grinding and sleep apnea?

Treatment of apnea is the responsibility of a general practitioner or sleep specialist. Bruxism is treated by a dentist.

The main way to combat teeth grinding is to wear a nightguard. These prevent jaw clenching, relax muscles and joints, and relieve pain and tooth wear.

A specialist dental practice in Lyon, Studio Dentaire has been welcoming patients since 1999 in a warm and welcoming environment. A competent, caring team welcomes you and tailors treatment to your needs. Our dentists carry out a complete oral and dental check-up and recommend a personalized treatment. Studio Dentaire takes a holistic, long-term view of the patient: from the first appointment to follow-up consultations after treatment, you’ll benefit from reliable support and a genuine listening ear.