Grinding Teeth in Your Sleep? Austin Patients May Have an Underlying Sleep Disorder

Grinding your teeth at night—also known as bruxism—is often brushed off as stress-related or a dental issue. But for many Austin patients, nighttime teeth grinding is actually a sign of a deeper sleep or neurological disorder that deserves medical attention. 

While dentists may notice the wear and tear on your teeth, they don’t always see why it’s happening. That’s where sleep medicine and neurology come in. 

What Causes Teeth Grinding During Sleep? 

Bruxism can be caused by: 

• Stress or anxiety 

• Misaligned bite 

• Certain medications 

• Neurological conditions 

• Sleep-disordered breathing, including sleep apnea 

When the brain senses restricted airflow during sleep, it may trigger jaw clenching or grinding as a reflex to reopen the airway. This is why bruxism is frequently linked to sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. 

Warning Signs Beyond Tooth Damage 

Nighttime teeth grinding often comes with additional symptoms, such as: 

• Morning headaches 

• Jaw or facial pain 

• Neck and shoulder tension 

• Poor sleep quality 

• Daytime fatigue or brain fog 

These overlapping symptoms are a strong indicator that a broader evaluation for sleep disorders may be needed. 

Grinding Teeth in Sleep Austin: The Sleep Apnea Connection 

Research continues to show a strong association between bruxism and obstructive sleep apnea. Repeated breathing interruptions can activate the nervous system, leading to involuntary muscle activity—including jaw clenching. 

Treating the airway issue often reduces or eliminates grinding altogether, which is why sleep apnea treatment at CSMA can be life-changing for patients who have struggled with bruxism for years. 

Why a Medical Evaluation Matters 

Nighttime grinding isn’t just a dental concern—it’s a sleep health issue. CSMA’s neurology and sleep medicine specialists evaluate brain activity, breathing patterns, and sleep stages to uncover the root cause. 

Using sleep testing and diagnosis, providers can determine whether bruxism is occurring alongside sleep apnea, movement disorders, or neurological disruptions. 

When to Schedule an Appointment 

If you’re grinding your teeth at night and waking up in pain or exhaustion, it’s time to look beyond the mouth and examine the sleep cycle itself. 

👉 Schedule an appointment with CSMA to identify the cause of nighttime teeth grinding and restore restful sleep.