Grinding or clenching teeth, also known as bruxism, is a common problem.  And although it can cause serious damage, many people habitually grind or clench their teeth and don’t even realize it!  That’s because bruxism often happens at night when we’re sound asleep.

It’s not just adults that grind their teeth, even babies and young children can show signs of grinding.

Common causes of grinding including:

  • Teething: (in babies, young children and wisdom teeth in young adults)
  • Anxiety: can cause us to tense our jaw or aggressively grind our teeth
  • Allergies/Sleep Apnea: Some research shows that breathing difficulties may be the main culprit of night clenching or grinding.  Struggling for air, particularly while sleeping, can lead to panic and biting down hard before gasping for breath.
  • Misaligned teeth or jaw: The awkward fit of misaligned teeth can cause habitual grinding in an unconscious effort to make your bite more comfortable.

Could You Be A Grinder?
You’re probably aware if you grind or clench your teeth during the day but how do you know if you’re a night grinder?  Do you:

-Wake up in the middle of the night with a sore mouth or teeth
-Wake up with frequent headaches, earaches, pain behind the ear or facial pain
-Have chipped, cracked or flattened teeth
-Have teeth or gums that are sensitive to sugar, heat, cold, brushing or flossing
-Notice receding gums
-Feel tired when you wake up or do you sleep poorly
-Have sleep apnea or wake up gasping for breath

Any of these symptoms may signal bruxism or other dental issues. Grinding can wear away tooth enamel and gums, exposing roots and bone to bacteria and decay. Teeth can chip or crack, and may eventually lead to tooth loss or a necessary extraction.  It’s not just your teeth that are at risk, grinding and clenching can cause pain that extends to your jaw, ears and cause headaches from the continual pressure.

Even if you’re not aware that you’re grinding or clenching your teeth, your dentist can often see the first signs of excessive wear and tear. Dr. Sedki can not only help you determine if you suffer from bruxism, he can help you find the best treatment plan. Treatment may be as simple as monitoring the situation, managing allergies, taking steps to reduce anxiety or addressing sleep apnea.  Other solutions include getting fitted for dental guards, dental appliances or adjusting misaligned teeth.

Avoid the pain, discomfort and long-term damage of teeth grinding, schedule an appointment with Dr. Sedki today at either of his convenient offices in Detroit or Commerce Township.