Why am I "chomping" in my sleep?

Question

My boyfriend says that sometimes when I'm asleep, I bring my teeth together really hard, making that "chomping" noise. Is this categorized with grinding your teeth? What makes you grind/chomp your teeth together? I wonder if that's the reason I'm having headaches daily?

Answer 1

Teeth grinding is called bruxism. Bruxism is the term that refers to an incessant grinding and clenching of the teeth, unintentionally, and at inappropriate times. Bruxers (persons with bruxism) are often unaware that they have developed this habit, and often do not know that treatment is available until damage to the mouth and teeth has been done.  However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. A person with severe bruxism will often clench their teeth with much force, usually, while they sleep.

If you suspect that you have bruxism – i.e.  you have been told that you grind your teeth while sleeping – you can have a polysomnographic test performed.  This tests looks for evidence of jaw muscle activity during the sleep period and the absence of abnormal movement during sleep.  Whatever the case, earlier diagnosis of the problem will minimize long-term damage to the teeth and jaws.

Currently, the most common treatment against bruxism is a custom-made mouth-guard that is worn during your sleep to prevent unconscious teeth grinding.  Your dentist can make you this mouth-guard that fits over your lower set of teeth and prevents the two sets of teeth from grinding against each other.

There is also teeth clinching, similar but no grinding. It will not wear down your teeth, but will crack them.

The cause of bruxism is still unknown.  There are theories linking the disorder to the central nervous system, while other experts believe that the problem is more multi-faceted implicating stress as a big influence.  In any case, problems resulting from teeth clenching accumulates slowly over the years leading to more severe problems that may include possible surgery.

The noise could also be related to extra effort to breath.

If I was in you I would get a sleep study, their are treatments for both conditions.

Good luck!

Answer 2

teeth grinding = stress

Answer 3

Grinding your teeth comes from stress that you don't deal with during the day . And yes it causes awful head aches. There are several things you can speak to your doctor about-1) month guard to sleep in  2) some type of light medication at night trazadone would be one.  

The last thing would be the most obvious deal with what is bothering you during the day

Answer 4

It is called bruxing and it will wear your teeth down over a long period of time. You go to your dentist and tey can make a mouthguard that is comfortable and will prevent damage to your teeth.

I am a bruxer myself but have never had the mouthguard made. The dentist can look at my jaw bone and tell.