Sleep should be a time for our brains and bodies to rest and rejuvenate, so it can be frustrating to wake up with pain or discomfort caused from biting tongue in sleep. If you’re frequently waking up with oral pain, you could be biting your tongue in your sleep. This is not only irritating but the repeated action can lead to ulcers, tongue scalloping, oral infections, and soreness. Here are the causes, treatment and prevention strategies of tongue biting so that you can get yourself a good night’s rest.
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- SYMPTOMS OF TONGUE BITING IN SLEEP
- WHY DO I BITE MY TONGUE WHEN I SLEEP?
- HOW TO STOP BITING TONGUE IN SLEEP?
- HOW CAN I TREAT A BITTEN TONGUE?
Symptoms of Tongue Biting in Sleep
Some people may be completely unaware that they bite their tongue because it occurs when they sleep. Healthline explains that there are many symptoms of tongue biting. If you suffer from the following symptoms you may be unknowingly biting your tongue in your sleep:
- tongue bleeding
- redness or swelling of the tongue
- pain
- cuts or marks on the tongue
- ulcer on the tongue
- raw, scalloped edges on the tongue
Why do I Bite my Tongue When I Sleep?
Tongue biting can be a symptom of many different conditions, some more serious than others. In order to understand the best way to prevent biting tongue in sleep, it’s helpful to know what is causing it. Additionally, nighttime tongue biting may be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition. Some common causes of tongue biting are the following:
NOCTURNAL SEIZURES
Seizures are uncontrollable bursts of electrical activity between brain cells which cause muscle spasms and stiffness. Nighttime seizures may be an indicator of epilepsy. Because those who suffer from epileptic seizures lose control of their behaviors and movements, people tend to bite their tongue unconsciously. Healthline explains that “bites occur on the tip and sides of the tongue”. This can result in serious tongue injuries as well as pain to the temporomandibular joint. Additionally, while it’s not a direct cause of tongue biting, sleep apnea has been connected to the habit.
BRUXISM
Bruxism refers to when a person involuntarily grinds or clenches their teeth, often in their sleep. This gnashing habit can cause bruxers to bite or scrape their tongue. Frequent teeth grinding or clenching can lead to intense pain or a swollen tongue, lip, or cheek in the morning and throughout the day. Additionally, a possible side effect of sleep bruxism is a scalloped tongue. This condition is characterized by indentations on the sides and tip of the tongue.
MISALIGNED BITE
A misaligned bite, or malocclusion, can cause bruxism as well as tongue biting while sleeping. Malocclusion can also restrict the movement of the tongue and force it to sit unnaturally in the mouth, making tongue biting more common. Additionally, improper alignment of the upper and lower teeth can cause other painful symptoms so if you suspect you have a misaligned bite, you should visit your dentist for a dental exam.
SLEEP RHYTHMIC MOVEMENT DISORDER
Sleep Rhythmic Movement Disorder causes sufferers to experience sudden jerking movements or twitching while they sleep, usually in their head and neck. The disorder is most common in children and can involve body rocking, head banging, and head rolling which leads to injuries in the eyes, brain and tongue. Fortunately, the prevalence of this sleep disorder decreases with age. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine states, “At 18 months of age, the overall rate drops to 33%. It commonly goes away by two or three years of age. By five years of age, the rate is only 5%” (2021).
DRUG USE
The use of recreational drugs such as MDMA and other stimulants can lead to excessive grinding of the teeth and biting of the tongue. These types of drugs speed up activity in your central nervous system, causing an adrenaline rush. Your body reacts to this excess of adrenaline by grinding the teeth, clenching the jaw, and biting the tongue and cheeks. Because the drugs act as a low-level anesthetic, you often don’t realize the damage you’re inflicting on your oral health.
How to Stop Biting Tongue in Sleep?
There are many ways to prevent tongue-biting. Treatment will vary based on the underlying cause. A bitten tongue can be painful, and frustrating if you do not know the cause. Try some of the following remedies to prevent or avoid tongue-biting.
A SLEEP STUDY
If you suspect you’re experiencing seizures in your sleep or are concerned you have a seizure disorder, consider seeing a neurologist. They can conduct a sleep study for you and determine what is happening in your brain while you are asleep. A sleep study usually consists of EEG machines which monitor your brainwave activity in the different stages of sleep. This can reveal many possible triggers for your tongue biting habits, which makes it easier to treat the habit. The Sleep Foundation recommends participating in a sleep study to help diagnose many different sleep disorders.
NIGHTGUARDS AND SPLINTS
Regardless of the reason you bite your tongue, a mouth guard is an effective preventative tool. Particularly if you suffer from bruxism, a nighttime mouth guard will help to protect your tongue (and teeth) from any further damage. The most effective way to prevent teeth grinding, clenching or biting of the tongue is to purchase a custom-fitted mouthguard for tongue biting. These guards are molded to fit your teeth and mouth and restrict movement in the mouth so you’re unable to brux in a way that could potentially hurt your tongue.
REDUCE STRESS
Literature consistently confirms that “anxiety and depression [are] antecedents of Bruxism” (2011). Bruxism and rhythmic movement disorder, in some cases, is associated with high levels of stress and anxiety. Finding stress-management techniques and cognitive behavioural therapy can help to prevent sleep disorders such as these. Some bruxers have found success through yoga, meditation, and other relaxation techniques.
Related Articles:
- Bruxism And Stress
- Homeopathic Remedy For Teeth Grinding
How Can I Treat a Bitten Tongue?
Fortunately, there are many treatment options for a bitten tongue. How you treat the problem may vary based on the reason you bite your tongue. Further treatment may be necessary for more severe underlying causes such as epilepsy.
APPLY ICE TO THE AFFECTED AREA
If your tongue endures injuries from biting such as swelling, cuts, or redness, ice can help to treat the affected area. Treating the area with ice or a cold compress will numb the tongue and reduce the pain, as well as help to reduce swelling and inflammation.
RINSE YOUR MOUTH WITH SALTY WATER
If there is an open wound, it’s a good idea to rinse your mouth with warm, salty water for around twenty seconds. Repeat if necessary. This kills bacteria, prevents infection and speeds up the healing process.
AVOID SPICY AND HOT FOODS
Eating spicy or hot foods, particularly if you have an open or fresh wound, will aggravate your pain. These kinds of foods can also increase inflammation of the tongue, making it more likely that you bite your tongue repeatedly. Try to eat soft mild foods that don’t require much chewing until your tongue heals.
SEE A DOCTOR
If you suspect you’ve done serious damage to your tongue or your pain is severe, visit a medical professional. They can assess the state of your mouth and possibly identify the underlying cause of your tongue biting. This can assist in choosing the best treatment plan. Additionally, if you suspect your tongue pain may be caused by a more serious underlying health condition such as TMJ, visit a healthcare professional.
TONGUE BITING IN YOUR SLEEP
An injured tongue might consist of swelling, redness, and cuts. Most people have felt the discomfort of accidentally biting their tongue while eating. However, repeated tongue biting in your sleep may be a result of underlying conditions such as epilepsy, bruxism, or rhythmic movement disorder. Fortunately, there are many effective treatment options such as cold compresses, night guards, etc. Prioritizing your dental health will help you avoid future damage such as jaw muscle pain, broken teeth, etc.
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For quality custom-fitted mouth guards, visit Pro Teeth Guard. Our dental appliances are custom made in a dental lab from impressions of your unique teeth and mouth to treat bruxism and related conditions. Your impression kit is sent directly to your door, so you can avoid a trip to the dental office. Pro Teeth Guard offers a 110% money back guarantee.
References:
- Burke, D. (2021). Malocclusion of the Teeth. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/malocclusion-of-teeth#prevention
- Cirino, E. (2019). How to Stop Biting Your Tongue in Your Sleep. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/biting-tongue-in-sleep#prevention
- Mathew, R., & Morse, A. M. (2021). Sleep Rhythmic Movement. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-disorders/sleep-rhythmic-movement/#risk-factors-for-sleep-rhythmic-movement-disorder
- Sutin, A. R., Terracciano, A., Ferrucci, L., & Costa, P. T., Jr (2010). Teeth Grinding: Is Emotional Stability related to Bruxism?. Journal of research in personality, 44(3), 402–405.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2010.03.006
- Weiss, S. (2018). This Is Why Molly Makes You Grind Your Teeth. VICE. https://www.vice.com/en/article/d3kz9m/mdma-ecstasy-makes-you-grind-your-teeth
FAQs
For many people who bite their tongue, wearing a mouthguard can prevent future injuries. Because everyone's mouth is different, talk to a dentist or doctor about which type of mouthguard is best for you. You may want to get a customized mouthguard that perfectly fits your teeth.
Why do I keep accidentally biting my tongue when sleeping? ›
If you're biting your tongue in sleep, it could be due to sleep apnea, bruxism, malocclusion, facial muscle spasms, nighttime seizures, and more. Visiting a credible dentist, like Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry team, can help you determine the cause.
Do some people bite their tongue while sleeping? ›
Nighttime tongue biting is actually pretty common, but it can be incredibly uncomfortable and painful. What's more, it may be a sign that something more serious is going on. The top reasons someone may experience tongue biting during sleep include: Nighttime seizures.
How do I stop biting my tongue? ›
Pay attention to your habit, there may be a trigger (boredom, stress, anxiety) Ask family or friends to help recognize when you are biting. Try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on xylitol mints. Try relaxation methods such as deep breathing.
Why do I keep biting the side of my tongue? ›
The biggest reason why you may bite your tongue while you eat is due to coordination. There's a part of the brain known as the pons that is responsible for controlling habitual actions like biting, chewing, swallowing, and more. It's an action we don't really have to think about. We just do it.
Do tongue guards work? ›
Night Guards and Tongue Cribs can also help prevent the soreness that results from excessive pressure during excessive nighttime involuntary tongue movement. The appliances discourage the signature forward motion of the tongue every time the patient has to swallow.
Why do I suddenly bite my tongue in my sleep adults? ›
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.
Is biting your tongue a form of anxiety? ›
Currently, the cause of tongue chewing and biting behavior, among other common BFRBs, is not well understood due to insufficient research. Nevertheless, one fact is that BFRBs are associated with other behavior-related disorders³ such as anxiety, impulsive control, and OCD.
Is biting your tongue a symptom of MS? ›
MS attacks cause lesions to form in your nervous system, and the symptoms you experience are based, in part, on where those lesions develop. Some people with MS experience involuntarily biting their tongue.
How can I relax my tongue while sleeping? ›
"Relaxing your tongue and jaw sends a message to your brain stem and limbic system to turn off the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol," says neuropsychologist Marsha Lucas, PhD. Simply let your tongue go limp in your mouth, and then open your mouth slightly, which will instantly loosen up your jaw.
What is Proper Tongue Positioning? So, what exactly is proper tongue positioning? Simply put, proper tongue positioning occurs when someone gently rests their tongue on the roof of the mouth and away from the teeth. During rest, the lips should also be closed, and the teeth slightly parted.
Can sleep apnea affect your tongue? ›
A 2014 study led by Schwab compared obese patients with and without sleep apnea, and found that the participants with the condition had significantly larger tongues and a higher percentage of tongue fat when compared to those without sleep apnea.
When should I be worried about biting my tongue? ›
If there's major tissue damage or continuous bleeding, you should see a doctor. However, in most instances, you can treat your tongue bite at home using these steps: Start by washing your hands and putting on gloves. Rinse your mouth with water to clear any blood or debris.
What is it called when you can't stop biting your tongue? ›
Skin Biting (Dermatophagia) Often occurs among patients with onychophagia. Skin biting behaviors include biting the cuticles or fingers, and digesting scabs or skin (usually as a result of skin picking disorder). Oftentimes, lip, cheek, and tongue biting are also considered dermatophagia.
Does biting your tongue mean something? ›
Bite Your Tongue Meaning
This expression means to prevent yourself from saying something, usually to another person, because you think saying it would negatively affect the situation. It may be a criticism of the person, a secret you promised not to tell, or other information you feel would be harmful to the situation.
Why can't I stop biting the side of my mouth? ›
Cheek biting may occasionally be a harmless accident or the result of misaligned teeth, but many people experience chronic cheek biting. Chronic cheek biting is a body-focused repetitive behavior that relates to obsessive-compulsive disorder. Doctors prescribe psychotherapy to help people resolve chronic cheek biting.
Where should your tongue rest at night? ›
Known as “tongue positioning,” there is a right and wrong way. When closing the mouth, the teeth should be slightly apart while the tongue rests on the roof of the mouth but not against the teeth. Not only does this correct form of tongue positioning ensure better oral health, but it also prevents teeth from shifting.
Are mouth guards safe to sleep in? ›
Unfortunately, it also traps bacteria against the surface of your gums while you sleep. It's fine to cover your gums for an hour or two but not 8 hours a night, 7 nights a week. That's why you can wear your sports mouth guard for a game or practice, but not while you sleep.
Do mouth guards help you sleep better? ›
Night guards minimize grinding and clenching to maximize comfort, thus improving your sleep patterns and giving you a better night's sleep! A night guard will secure your jaw at its optimal position to promote deeper muscle relaxation. When these muscles are relaxed, stress is reduced, and sleep is more efficient.
What does anxiety tongue look like? ›
Anxiety tongue symptoms descriptions:
Your tongue might feel unusually tingly or tingling. Your tongue might feel like it is stretched or being stretched. Your tongue might also feel like it is numb, frozen, or like it has been anesthetized. Your tongue might also feel like it is itching or itchy.
Effects of anxiety on your tongue and mouth. Some people with anxiety disorders often experience a tingling sensation on their tongue, commonly referred to as “anxiety tongue” or “stress tongue.” Anxiety tongue may also involve swelling, muscle spasms, or burning sensations.
What are signs of stress on the tongue? ›
Signs of your body undergoing excessive stress can show up on your tongue as unusual redness, sores, and ulcers. Also, if your tongue appears to have marks around the edges, that could signify consistently biting your tongue as a reaction to stress.
What are signs of MS in woman? ›
What are some of the common symptoms of MS?
- fatigue.
- numbness and tingling.
- loss of balance and dizziness.
- stiffness or spasms.
- tremor.
- pain.
- bladder problems.
- bowel trouble.
MS can appear at any age but most commonly manifests between the ages of 20 and 40. It affects women two to three times as often as men. Almost one million people in the United States have MS, making it one of the most common causes of neurological disability among young adults in North America.
How can I check myself for MS? ›
Signs and symptoms of MS
- numbness, pain, or tingling.
- vision issues such as blurred vision, trouble seeing, or floaters.
- weakness.
- issues with walking or balance.
- bladder or bowel incontinence.
- unexplained sexual dysfunction.
- mood changes.
- brain fog.
Make sure your tongue is pushing against the gum. Next, bite your teeth together and keep your lips apart. Lastly, swallow but be sure to keep your teeth together and lips apart. Performing this exercise two times in the morning and in the evening can stop tongue thrusting in its tracks.
How do you keep your mouth closed while sleeping? ›
Sleep with Your Head Elevated
Aim for an elevation of 30 to 60 degrees. This should help to keep your mouth closed, making you breathe through your nose. Sleeping with your head elevated can also help to reduce snoring and improve sleep apnea.
Why am I pushing my tongue against my teeth at night? ›
A tongue thrust is a habit someone develops that may start as a mouth breathing issue. When your tongue is resting at the bottom of your mouth, every time you swallow it is pushing forward against your teeth. Essentially, it's poor muscle coordination, and is a habit that can be fixed.
Should my tongue touch my teeth when resting? ›
Proper Tongue Positioning
When your mouth is at rest, your tongue should be against the roof of your mouth, but it should not be pressing against any of your teeth. Your teeth should be slightly apart, and your lips should be closed.
Where is the best place to rest your tongue? ›
When your tongue is at rest, the tip of your tongue should touch the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth, as a study published in Radiology and Oncology notes. The tip of your tongue shouldn't rest low on the floor of your mouth.
The tongue is one factor that can cause obstruction and it does this by falling back into the throat during sleep. Whether you have a large tongue, weak tongue muscles or a narrow airway that's more easily blocked off, tongue obstruction may arise for several reasons.
How can I strengthen my tongue for sleep apnea? ›
Tongue Push Up: Push your entire tongue up against the roof of your mouth. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat this exercise 5 times. Tongue Push Down: With the tip of your tongue touching the front of your lower teeth push your entire tongue flat against the bottom of your mouth. Hold it for 10 seconds and repeat 5 times.
How much weight do you have to lose to get rid of sleep apnea? ›
If you have problems with OSA from being obese or overweight, weight loss can be an option to help manage your OSA. Losing as little as 5-10% of your body weight can improve or resolve OSA.
What is the large tongue treatment for sleep apnea? ›
Tongue advancement enlarges airway for better breathing
The goal of the procedure (also called genioglossus advancement) is to make room for the tongue to relax during sleep while enlarging your airway so you can breathe better.
How long does it take for a bitten tongue to heal? ›
Less severe tongue injuries tend to heal on their own within a week, while more severe injuries will need a dentist's attention and may require stitches and medication. These may take several weeks or even months to fully heal. A tongue bite may also bleed, even if it's small.
Do I need braces if I keep biting my tongue? ›
Frequent Tongue Biting
If patients find themselves constantly biting their tongue due to problems with their teeth, this might be a sign that they need braces. The constant biting can cause pain and discomfort or could even cause an infection.
How do I stop clenching my tongue and teeth? ›
If you notice that you clench or grind during the day, position the tip of your tongue between your teeth. This practice trains your jaw muscles to relax. Relax your jaw muscles at night by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe.
How do I stop clenching my teeth at night without night guard? ›
Avoiding your alcohol intake, tobacco, smoking, and caffeine usage. Avoid chewing gums or chewing upon pens, pencils, nails or any hard objects. Avoid the intake of foods that requires a lot of chewing like nuts. If you become conscious of grinding at night stop immediately.
What are the side effects of dental night guards? ›
Dental Night Guard Side-Effects
Some other side effects that could happen are shifting teeth, jaw misalignment or pain, poor fit, causing soreness, pain, or pressure. These might be your mouth getting used to a strange item, or it could be a bigger problem that needs to be fixed.
How do you keep your jaw closed while sleeping? ›
You can keep your mouth closed while sleeping by mouth taping or by using devices like a chin strap. You should only use these if you can breathe through your nose and you're a mouth breather out of habit.
Low levels of vitamin B12 is said to cause issues with the mouth and tongue.
Why do I keep biting my cheek and tongue in my sleep? ›
People who are under a lot of stress tend to grind and clench their teeth without even realizing it. This often happens during sleep as well. With teeth constantly shifting around like that, unchecked during sleep, you're bound to bite your tongue and lips often.
Can anxiety cause tongue biting? ›
Biting tongue in sleep - Anxiety and muscle tension can cause bruxism, another word for teeth grinding. Bruxism can affect the tongue and cheeks as well. When a person has increased muscle tension from stress, it can show up as teeth grinding. This can cause damage to the entire mouth area over time.
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