Tooth Grinding (Bruxism)
Bruxism: Signs and Symptoms
The habit of grinding, gnashing, grating, or clenching the teeth is termed bruxism, and millions of adults and children are affected by this condition. While its exact cause is unknown, most experts believe that bruxism can occur as a response to increased psychological stress.
Bruxism: Signs and Symptoms
The habit of grinding, gnashing, grating, or clenching the teeth is termed bruxism, and millions of adults and children are affected by this condition. While its exact cause is unknown, most experts believe that bruxism can occur as a response to increased psychological stress.
Bruxism involves any type of forceful contact between the teeth, whether silent and clenching, or loud and grating. Estimates vary regarding the number of people who suffer from this condition and range from 50%-95% of the adult population. Approximately 15% of all children also acquire this condition. Many people are not aware that they have this condition because they grind their teeth at night while asleep, although bruxism can occur during daytime hours as well.
Drinking alcohol and taking certain medications (for example, antidepressants) may worsen the bruxism. Malocclusion (improper alignment of the teeth) may also play a causative role or may determine the severity of symptoms related to bruxism.
Children may develop bruxism as a response to a cold or other infection and are more likely to develop it when their parents are affected. Some studies show that persons whose personalities may be described as compulsive, controlling, precise, or aggressive have an increased incidence of bruxism
Drinking alcohol and taking certain medications (for example, antidepressants) may worsen the bruxism. Malocclusion (improper alignment of the teeth) may also play a causative role or may determine the severity of symptoms related to bruxism.
Children may develop bruxism as a response to a cold or other infection and are more likely to develop it when their parents are affected. Some studies show that persons whose personalities may be described as compulsive, controlling, precise, or aggressive have an increased incidence of bruxism
How do I know?
Most people are unaware that they grind their teeth due to grinding occurring, most often, during sleep. A dull, constant headache or jaw tenderness can be a telltale symptom of bruxism. Very often, 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 who will examine your teeth, mouth, jaw and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) for signs of bruxism.
Why Is Tooth Grinding Harmful?
Chronic teeth grinding can result in fracturing, loosening, or loss of teeth. Chronic grinding may wear teeth down to stumps. When these events occurbridges, crowns, root canals, implants and dentures may be needed to restore the teeth. Severe grinding can also affect your jaws and cause or worsen TMJ disorders.
How to stop Tooth Grinding?
Your dentist can fit you with a mouthguard to protect your teeth from grinding during sleep. Hard mouthguards are the only type now recommended by experts in this field.
Ask your dentist about options to reduce your stress levels. Attending stress counselling, starting an exercise program, seeing a physical therapist or obtaining a prescription for muscle relaxants are among some of the options that can be offered.
Other tips to help you stop teeth grinding include:
- 1. Avoid or cut back on foods and drinks that contain caffeine.
- 2. Avoid alcohol. Grinding tends to intensify after alcohol consumption.
- 3. Do not chew on pencils or pens or anything that is not food. Avoid chewinggum as it allows your jaw muscles to get more used to clenching and makes you more likely to grind your teeth.
- 4. Train yourself not to clench or grind your 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.
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