Teeth grinding occurs in everyone in some form, typically during times of high stress or emotion. There are some individuals, though, that grind their teeth unknowingly, similar to picking at their nails or chewing on a lip. When teeth grinding occurs without conscious thought, this is a condition called bruxism.
Depending on the severity and frequency of bruxism, it may require a visit to the dentist.
The Side Effects of Teeth Grinding
Unfortunately, common teeth grinding can lead to health issues such as sore and achy jaw muscles, headaches, worn enamel, chipped or flattened teeth, and more. In chronic cases, loss of teeth or teeth fracturing may occur.
The most dangerous form of teeth grinding is sleep bruxism. As the name suggests, sleep bruxism is teeth grinding, gnashing, or clenching while asleep. This form of bruxism is only seen as the most dangerous because individuals do not know what they do while asleep.
If grinding begins while awake, you are likely to notice it and stop. While asleep, though, stopping is more difficult because you do not notice it. This means that any symptoms that occur are likely to be overlooked until a tooth is chipped or damaged.
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding is typically caused by stress and anxiety or heredity. Those with family members that grind teeth are more likely to grind theirs as well. Outside of heredity, high emotion such as anger, stress, and anxiety are common causes. Those who have a more aggressive or competitive personality are more likely to grind their teeth. Also, individuals with other sleeping disorders such as sleep apnea (pauses in breathing while asleep) or snoring are more likely to grind their teeth at night.
How Do I Stop Teeth Grinding?
The best preventative measure against teeth grinding is to see a dentist regularly. A dentist will be able to determine if your symptoms are the result of teeth grinding or not. From there, they will address any signs or symptoms, such as repairing chipped teeth, addressing gum recession, fitting you with bridges or crowns, and anything else that must be done to fix your teeth.
The dentist can then fit you with a protective mouth guard to wear while you are sleeping. This mouth guard does not prevent teeth grinding, but it does provide a protective barrier between your upper and lower sets so no further damage can occur.
Besides regularly going to the dentist, there are some preventative measures that you can take to be proactive. First, anytime you notice yourself chewing on a pen cap or your nail, make a considerable effort to stop. Our mouths pick up habits, so if you get into the habit of chewing or gnashing on something other than food, your mouth may do so at night as well. Train yourself to relax your jaw and not keep it clenched.
Also, make an effort to reduce any anger or stress in your life. Avoid caffeine and alcohol and do something every day that relaxes you, especially before heading to bed. Go for a walk, read a book, play with a pet, etc. The more relaxed you are when you head to bed, the more relaxed you will be when asleep, and the less you will feel the need to grind your teeth.
In Brief
Teeth grinding is a struggle shared by many individuals, but there are ways to manage it. Make sure to stay relaxed as you head to sleep, attempt to reduce stress, and keep daytime teeth clenching to a minimum. If you do notice that your face or jaw is sore when you wake or that you have a constant, low-grade headache for the first few hours after waking, it may be due to you unknowingly grinding your teeth at night. Talk to a dentist if you suspect you may be grinding your teeth.
Dr Sedki and his staff at Sedki Dentistry have been addressing and treating all dental concerns including teeth grinding with ongoing success. Our dental clinic in Commerce Twp is full service and meets the needs of the entire family? Whether you need to have a cavity filled, your teeth straightened, or you smile restored, we have the latest in dental treatments and techniques available for you to choose. Call and schedule a Free Dental Consultation today!