Can Snoring Cause Grinding and Clenching of Teeth?

The answer is YES!

We call this Sleep Bruxism.

Not all Bruxism is related to snoring, or Obstructive Sleep Apnea, but Sleep Apnea often comes with Sleep Bruxism.

Most people are not aware they have any type or degree of Bruxism. 

One of the first responses a practitioner gets from a patient who is not aware of their Bruxism is, "I don't notice it", "I don't have it", "I'm fine."

Signs of Teeth Grinding and Clenching

Some research show that in order to compensate for the blockage of airway by the tongue, one would clench the teeth as tongue pushes up against the teeth causing these marks over a period of time. Other research show that due to stress from being unable to breath, one would protrude the jaw forward to be able to breath, and end up grinding their front teeth as a response to this stress. 

In the case of children, research is showing that vast majority of childhood Bruxism - teeth grinding - is related to sleep apnea.

Click above to read about what your Sleep Dentist sees during their screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.