Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Chronic teeth
grinding, or bruxism, gradually damages and wears down teeth, and often
occurs as a response to stress or anxiety. An individual with sleep
bruxism may not even realize that they clench their teeth.
Bruxism
is common in children, but usually resolves during adolescence. Sleep
disorders, missing teeth, crooked teeth, or an abnormal bite can also
result in teeth grinding. Left untreated, bruxism can cause jaw
disorders, damaged teeth, and headaches.
Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
Mild
cases of bruxism may not produce symptoms. Sore jaws and headaches are
common signs of teeth clenching, while severe cases fracture or chip
teeth. Tooth pain and loose teeth may also occur. In some cases the
sound of grinding teeth wakes up sleep partners.
Other symptoms of bruxism include:
- Anxiety, depression, or stress
- Chewing damage to the inside of the cheek
- Earache
- Facial pain
- Jaw pain
- Tight jaw muscles
- Tooth sensitivity to cold or heat
- Worn tooth enamel
- Worn, flattened teeth
Earaches associated with
teeth grinding result from overworked jaw muscles rather than actual ear
problems. Severe bruxism can damage the temporomadnibular joints (TMJ),
a portion of the jaw found just in front of the ear.
Bruxism Complications
Tooth
damage and jaw disorders are the most common bruxism complications.
Dental grinding has also been linked to depression, eating disorders,
insomnia, and sleep disorders.
Causes of Teeth Grinding
An
exact cause of bruxism has not been identified. Stress and anxiety
increase the risk of teeth clenching, as do anger and high frustration
levels.
A number of stimulating substances can trigger dental
grinding, including coffee and other caffeinated beverages. Alcohol
consumption, smoking, and some medications also trigger bruxism.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your
dentist will investigate possible bruxism if she sees signs of tooth
wear, fractures, or tooth sensitivity during a dental exam. She may
observe that crowns and other dental work wear down faster than they
should, or identify signs of chewing on your cheeks. Complaints of jaw
pain, headaches, and ear or facial pain also suggest bruxism.
During
diagnosis your dentist will ask you about alcohol and coffee
consumption, and any medications you take. You'll also be asked about
your sleep habits. X-rays may be required to identify possible jaw
disorders.
If the dentist suspects your bruxism results from
anxiety or depression, you may be referred to a therapist. You may also
be referred to a sleep specialist to rule out possible sleep disorders.
If stress is the primary trigger for bruxism, stress management and
relaxation techniques can reduce it.
If teeth grinding stems from a
physical problem such as misaligned teeth, dental work may provide some
relief. While corrective dental work will fix the damage caused by
bruxism, however, grinding may continue, causing damage to the corrected
teeth.
You may need to wear a night guard or splint
while you sleep to protect your teeth from the wear and tear of
bruxism. A splint is a hard acrylic device that fits over your lower
teeth. Splints are custom-made to fit your mouth. Night guards can
either be custom-made or purchased at over-the-counter. An OTC mouth
guard will not fit your teeth as well as a custom-made model.
Mouth
guards have some drawbacks as bruxism treatments. They are soft and
wear down faster than splints. Some people experience an increase in
teeth clenching while wearing mouth guards or splints.
If you do
grind your teeth, lifestyle changes can help treat the condition. Reduce
stress before bedtime with a warm bath, listening to soft music, or
practicing relaxation techniques. Avoid caffeine and alcohol for several
hours before bed. Quitting smoking reduces bruxism symptoms as well as
improving your overall health.
If you think you might be teeth
grinding, talk to your dentist. Regular dental exams help identify
bruxism in its early stages before tooth or jaw damage occurs.
