Here's why you wake up with a headache and neck pain in the morning

Associate Professor Dr. Rana Turunç provided information on the triggers of bruxism, its symptoms, and treatment methods. Assoc. Professor Dr. Turunç said, “Bruxism can occur in all age groups. Research shows that the prevalence rate in children ranges from 10 percent to 50 percent, while in adults, it ranges from 5 percent to 90 percent. However, in children, this condition is usually temporary and can disappear on its own with growth. Therefore, treatment is often not necessary in children, but follow-up is important.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Turunç stated, "Patients often experience jaw pain, headaches, and a feeling of tension in the neck and facial muscles upon waking in the morning. Long-term bruxism can lead to facial aesthetic deterioration, a square facial appearance, or asymmetries due to enlargement of the masticatory muscles. Tooth abrasion, cracks, sensitivity, and fractures in fillings and crowns are also common. Some patients also experience pain radiating to the ear, ringing, difficulty opening the mouth while eating, and a decrease in sleep quality."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Turunç stated, "Diagnosis is generally made through a clinical examination after evaluating the patient's complaints and medical history. Furthermore, if there is grinding behavior, the long-term discomfort of the patient's partner with the sound is an important criterion. However, the most reliable method for definitively diagnosing bruxism is polysomnography (sleep test) with audio and video recordings, combined with electromyography (EMG). These tests indicate how much and how intensely the masticatory muscles work during sleep and how frequently teeth clenching or grinding occur. However, because they are performed by specialist doctors in specialized centers, they are costly and are often not needed unless sleep apnea is suspected."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Turunç emphasizes that treatment isn't always necessary, but that severe cases thought to be causing tooth wear, pain in the jaw joint, or chewing muscles may require treatment. In such cases, treatment should be tailored to the individual: “If bruxism is stress-related, psychological support, relaxation exercises, and lifestyle changes are recommended. For sleep hygiene, avoid stimulants like coffee, cigarettes, and alcohol at night; limit physical activity, nutrition, and mental stimulation a few hours before bed; and ensure a quiet and dark sleeping environment. If you have sleep apnea, you may need to be evaluated at a sleep center and collaborate with an ear, nose, and throat specialist. If there are problems with the closing of your teeth or the jaw's relationship, orthodontic treatment may be necessary. If you have reflux, diet and medication treatments can also be effective in reducing bruxism. If you are taking medications that trigger teeth grinding, you may be advised to consult your doctor and change them if possible. If bruxism causes pain in the jaw muscles or joints, limited mouth opening, or aesthetic concerns due to overgrowth of the chewing muscles, physical therapy, muscle relaxants, or Psychiatric/neurological medications and Botox (botulinum toxin) injections may also be beneficial. Tooth wear caused by bruxism should be restored with a filling or crown and then protected with a splint.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Turunç said, “A splint, also known colloquially as a 'night plate,' is a transparent appliance custom-made for the jaw structure. Its purpose is to prevent the progression of wear by preventing teeth from rubbing against each other, to relax the jaw muscles, and to reduce excessive load on the jaw joint. A splint provides significant physical and functional protection, especially when worn at night. However, every mouth is different. Therefore, instead of standard trays purchased online, it's best to choose custom-made splints, custom-made in a laboratory based on your mouth measurements taken by your dentist. Otherwise, it could cause more harm than good.”