Teeth grinding – Bruxism

Everyone experiences some level of stress in their lives, and how anxiety is handled profoundly affects the body. Some people develop obvious health problems, such as high blood pressure or stomach conditions, while others fight a more silent battle. They wake up with a headache, a sore jaw, an earache, and perhaps unusual notches on their tongue. But they don’t understand why.

These are all symptoms of an underlying and often very painful medical condition called bruxism, in which people grind and clench their teeth, even when sleeping. While grinding your teeth from time to time doesn’t cause too much damage, grinding your teeth constantly can damage your smile in the long run.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism can be defined as a medical condition in which you grind, grind, or clench your teeth during the day or night, or both. Mild bruxism does not usually require treatment, but if the grinding of the teeth is constant enough, it can lead to serious jaw disorders, tooth fractures, tooth sensitivity, loss of dental restorations or crowns, and other health problems. While bruxism is often triggered by stress, it’s important to note that it can also be the result of crooked teeth or an abnormal bite.

Who is affected?

Both children and adults can exhibit symptoms of bruxism, although experts say children are more likely to outgrow it in their teens. Teeth grinding is thought to run in families and is most common in adults between the ages of 20 and 40. Bruxism may also be related to gender, with three times as many women grinding their teeth as men.

How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?

You may wake up with chronic pain in your face, but not realize you’ve been grinding your teeth in your sleep. Ask a family member if she is making any unusual noises with her teeth when she sleeps and share her concerns with her dentist. He or she can make that determination with a simple test.

How does this condition damage your teeth?

In addition to the intense pain that bruxism can cause, grinding your teeth also wears down important tooth enamel. This can lead to more sensitive teeth and ultimately damaging cavities. It can also loosen dental work and fracture teeth. And if the grinding is intense and prolonged, it can be taxing on the muscles and joints of the temporomandibular jaw and even cause osteoarthritis and bone loss.

How do I find relief?

Depending on the severity of your bruxism, your dentist may suggest a protective dental appliance, such as a splint or mouthguard, to help prevent further damage to your teeth. A hard acrylic splint fits over your upper or lower teeth and is made to specifically fit your mouth. Mouth guards, which are often softer than splints, can also provide relief. They can be made to the patient’s specifications or purchased over the counter.

If you are grinding your teeth as a result of stress or anxiety, you may want to look into relaxation strategies. Find what works best for you, whether it’s counseling, meditation, or perhaps exercise to help you relax. Try to find a way to wind down at the end of the day by taking a warm bath or reading a book.

If your dentist determines that your bruxism is the result of dental problems, such as misaligned teeth, it may be beneficial to use crowns or overlays to reshape the surface of your teeth and correct wear.

Contact Cambridge Family Dentistry for a free consultation if you have any questions or concerns regarding the diagnosis and/or treatment of bruxism.