Dental Health and Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

In this Article

Most people most likely grind and clench their teeth from time to time. Occasional teeth grinding, medically called bruxism, does not usually cause harm, but when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be bruised and other oral health complications can arise.

Albeit teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, it often occurs during sleep and is more likely caused by an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth. It can also be caused by a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea.

Because grinding often occurs during sleep, most people are unaware that they grind their teeth. However, a abate, constant headache or sore jaw when you wake up is a telltale symptom of bruxism. Many times people learn that they grind their teeth by their loved one who hears the grinding at night.

If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist. He or she can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, such as jaw tenderness and excessive wear on your teeth.

Why Is Teeth Grinding Harmful?

In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in a fracturing, loosening, or loss of teeth. The chronic grinding may wear teeth down to stumps. When these events happen, bridges, crowns, root canals, implants, partial dentures, and even finish dentures may be needed.

Not only can severe grinding harm teeth and result in tooth loss, it can also affect your jaws, cause or worsen TMD/TMJ, and even switch the appearance of your face.

What Can I Do to Stop Grinding My Teeth?

Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth from grinding during sleep.

If stress is causing you to grind your teeth, ask your doctor or dentist about options to reduce your stress. Attending stress counseling, embarking an exercise program, witnessing a physical therapist, or obtaining a prescription for muscle relaxants are among some of the options that may be suggested.

If a sleeping disorder is causing the grinding, treating it may reduce or eliminate the grinding habit.

Other tips to help you stop teeth grinding include:

Avoid or cut back on foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as colas, chocolate, and coffee.

Avoid alcohol. Grinding tends to intensify after alcohol consumption.

Do not chew on pencils or pens or anything that is not food. Avoid chewing gum as it permits your jaw muscles to get more used to clenching and makes you more likely to grind your teeth.

Train yourself not to clench or grind your teeth. If you notice that you clench or grind during the day, position the peak of your tongue inbetween your teeth. This practice trains your jaw muscles to loosen.

Ease off your jaw muscles at night by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe.

Continued

Do Children Grind Their Teeth?

The problem of teeth grinding is not limited to adults. Approximately 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth. Children who grind their teeth tend to do so at two peak times — when their baby teeth emerge and when their permanent teeth come in. Most children lose the teeth grinding habit after these two sets of teeth have come in more fully.

Most commonly, children grind their teeth during sleep rather than during waking hours. No one knows exactly why children grind their teeth but considerations include improperly aligned teeth or irregular contact inbetween upper and lower teeth, illnesses and other medical conditions (such as nutritional deficiencies, pinworm, allergies, endocrine disorders), and psychological factors including anxiety and stress.

Grinding of the baby teeth uncommonly results in problems. However, teeth grinding can cause jaw anguish, headaches, wear on the teeth, and TMD. Consult your dentist if your child’s teeth look worn or if your child complains of tooth sensitivity or ache.

Specific tips to help a child stop grinding his or her teeth include:

Decrease your child’s stress, especially just before bed.

Attempt rubdown and opening up exercises to loosen the muscles.

Make sure your child’s diet includes slew of water. Dehydration may be linked to teeth grinding.

Ask your dentist to monitor your child’s teeth if he or she is a grinder.

No intervention is usually required with preschool-age children. However, older children may need improvised crowns or other methods, such as a night guard, to prevent the grinding.

Related video: