The majority of individuals clench and grind their teeth regularly. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is not normally harmful, but when it occurs frequently, teeth can be destroyed, and other dental health issues might ensue.
Why do Individuals Grind Their Teeth?
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition where individuals involuntarily clench, gnash, or grind their teeth. There can be multiple factors contributing to teeth grinding, including:
- Stress and anxiety: High levels of stress and anxiety are often associated with teeth grinding. It can be a subconscious response to release tension or a manifestation of emotional or psychological stress.
- Malocclusion: Misaligned teeth or an improper bite (malocclusion) can cause grinding as an individual tries to find a comfortable resting position for their jaw.
- Sleep disorders: Bruxism can be related to sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, where breathing interruptions during sleep can trigger teeth grinding as the body attempts to reopen the airway.
- Medications and substances: Certain medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used to treat anxiety and depression, can increase the risk of teeth grinding. Additionally, the use of substances like alcohol, caffeine, or recreational drugs may exacerbate bruxism.
- Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle habits like excessive consumption of caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol, as well as the use of recreational drugs, can contribute to teeth grinding.
- Maladaptive coping mechanisms: Some individuals may unconsciously develop teeth grinding as a maladaptive coping mechanism for dealing with frustration, anger, or tension.
- Dental issues: Dental problems like missing teeth, crooked teeth, or an abnormal bite can lead to bruxism. Pain or discomfort in the teeth, jaw, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can also trigger grinding.
- Age and genetics: Bruxism can be more prevalent in certain age groups, with children commonly experiencing it due to jaw growth or teething. Additionally, there may be a genetic predisposition to teeth grinding.
It’s important to note that teeth grinding can have negative consequences on oral health, leading to tooth wear, chipped or cracked teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and temporomandibular joint disorders. If you suspect that you or someone you know may be grinding their teeth, it is advisable to consult a dentist or healthcare professional who can evaluate the situation and recommend appropriate treatment options, such as mouthguards, stress management techniques, or dental interventions.
What Causes Teeth Grinding in People?
Teeth grinding is not commonplace and is harmless. If you grind your teeth daily, though, you may be inflicting harm on your teeth. The very first line of treatment for teeth grinding is to figure out what’s causing it.
Typical teeth grinding causes involve:
- Anxiety and stress
- Bite that is uneven or misplaced
- Teeth that are missing, broken, or crooked
- Sleep apnea and other sleep problems
- Depression medication
- Neurological illnesses like Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease
Teeth Grinding Symptoms
The symptoms of bruxism could be the only approach to distinguish if you bash your teeth at night in some cases. Check for the following signs:
- Persistent dull headache
- Sore jaw
- Others can hear a grinding sound you make while sleeping.
- Excessive Tooth Wear
Tip: Teeth grinding causes dental loss if left unchecked. Brushing twice a day with an enamel-strengthening toothpaste can assist in mitigating the loss.
How Do I Identify Whether I Am Grinding My Teeth at Night?
Most individuals are unsure that they gnash their teeth since it frequently occurs during sleep. A dull, continuous headache or aching jaw when you awaken, on the other hand, is a definite sign of bruxism. People frequently discover that they gnash their teeth from a close one who hears it at night.
Consult your orthodontist if you believe you are crushing your teeth. They can look for indicators of bruxism in your teeth and jaw, including jaw pain and excessive tooth wear.
Is Teeth Grinding Bad For Health?
Yes, teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can have negative consequences on both oral health and overall well-being. Here are some potential health problems associated with chronic teeth grinding:
- Tooth damage: The constant grinding and clenching of teeth can lead to excessive wear, chipping, cracking, or fracturing of teeth. This can weaken the tooth structure and may require dental interventions such as fillings, crowns, or even extractions in severe cases.
- Jaw pain and TMJ disorders: Bruxism can cause pain, soreness, or fatigue in the muscles of the jaw, face, and neck. It may also contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which involve dysfunction and pain in the jaw joint. TMJ disorders can result in difficulty in jaw movement, popping or clicking sounds, headaches, and facial pain.
- Headaches: The excessive pressure and muscle tension from teeth grinding can contribute to tension-type headaches and migraines. These headaches can be frequent and debilitating.
- Sleep disturbances: Teeth grinding often occurs during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep patterns for both the person grinding their teeth and their sleep partner. The grinding noises can be disruptive and may cause sleep disruptions, leading to daytime fatigue and decreased quality of life.
- Damage to dental restorations: Individuals with dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, or bridges may experience damage to these restorations due to the excessive forces exerted during teeth grinding. This can lead to the need for repairs or replacements.
- Gum problems: The constant grinding motion can irritate the gums and cause gum recession, leading to gum disease and tooth sensitivity.
- Facial muscle hypertrophy: Chronic bruxism can cause the muscles in the face and jaw to become overdeveloped and hypertrophied, leading to an enlarged or square-shaped jaw appearance.
It is important to seek evaluation and treatment from a dentist or healthcare professional if you suspect that you grind your teeth. They can provide guidance on managing the condition and protecting your oral health. Treatment options may include stress management techniques, behavior modification, wearing a mouthguard or splint, dental interventions, and addressing any underlying causes or contributing factors.
Treatment For Teeth Grinding
Your orthodontist can make you a mouth shield to prevent you from crushing your teeth at night. If you smash your teeth because of stress, consult a doctor or dentist about relaxing ways. Some teeth grinding treatments that may be suggested include stress counselling, beginning an exercise program, consulting a physical therapist, or getting treatment for muscle relaxants. Other suggestions for preventing teeth grinding include:
- Caffeine-containing foods and beverages, such as colas, chocolate, and coffee, should be avoided or limited.
- Avoid consuming alcohol. After consuming alcohol, grinding tends to become more intense.
- Do not chew on pencils, pens, or other non-food items. Chewing gum causes your jaw muscles to become accustomed to clenching, increasing your chances of grinding your teeth.
- Practice not clenching or grinding your teeth. If you find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth throughout the day, place the base of your tongue over your teeth. This exercise helps you control your jaw muscles.
- Place a wet washcloth on your face in front of your ears at bedtime to calm your jaw muscles.