Biting Your Tongue While You Sleep? Here’s Why.
Possible Explanations
There are several potential reasons you bite your tongue in your sleep. Some common causes can include:
- Braces
- Sleep Apnea
- Stress
However, if nighttime tongue biting is chronic, there are three typical conditions that usually point to a more serious concern.
Nocturnal Seizures
While seizures can generally occur at any time, there are instances when there are no daytime signs at all and symptoms are experienced during sleep alone. These are referred to as nocturnal seizures. Like any other seizure, nocturnal seizures cause individuals’ muscles to tighten and they experience erratic, uncontrollable movements, including tongue biting. Medication can help control seizures and limit tongue biting.
Rhythmic Movement Disorder
More common in children, rhythmic movement disorder causes sudden jerks and other sharp movements during sleep. Usually the head and neck are affected and can cause someone to bite their tongue. Kids normally grow out of the disorder, but medication may be appropriate.
Bruxism
Bruxism, more commonly referred to as teeth grinding, is characterized by the continual grating of the top teeth against the bottom or consistent clenching of the jaw muscles. While this can happen while someone is awake, it’s commonly experienced subconsciously during sleep. The act of grinding your teeth can cause chronic tongue biting as well as additional dental concerns such as chipping or breaking of teeth. Usually, your dentist in Lawrenceville will make a night guard to protect your teeth, and your tongue, from the effects of bruxism.
Have you been experiencing unexplained tongue trauma? Call my dental office in Lawrenceville to schedule an appointment. If signs point to teeth grinding, we’ll work with you to determine the treatment that’s appropriate for you. If something else is suspected, we’ll recommend that you speak with your physician.
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