Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding is a condition that causes a person to clench or grind their teeth. This condition is often called bruxism. Sleep bruxism is teeth grinding at night while the person sleeps. The person may not even know that they are grinding their teeth.

The grinding can be worse at times that the person is having anxiety or experiencing elevated stress levels. Anger and frustration can also cause an increase in teeth grinding. Some psychiatric medications can cause teeth grinding. Children may develop bruxism due to teething or earache pain. Bruxism in children often stops by late adolescence.

If a person has a habit of teeth grinding, the pressure on the teeth can be extreme and cause permanent damage. Abnormal wear of the teeth, chipped teeth, or tooth fractures can be permanent damage due to teeth grinding. Due to the wear of the enamel, the person may have increased tooth sensitivity.

Other symptoms of teeth grinding include earaches, headaches, facial pain, jaw pain, and chewed tissue on the inside of the cheek. The person may develop indentations in their tongue. The teeth grinding can be loud enough to awaken the person’s spouse or partner.

If the person has noticed damage to the teeth or is experiencing pain, the person should see their physician or dentist. Even without noticeable symptoms, people who know that teeth grinding is a habit for them should make sure they receive regular dental care.

Mouth guards are a common treatment for teeth grinding. Mouth guards designed to prevent damage from teeth grinding are available from dentists or are sold over the counter. Mouth guards for teeth grinding can be molded for a more comfortable fit. Splints are similar to mouth guards but are made from hard acrylic and customized to fit more securely. Splints are considered more effective since mouth guards can slip and allow the bruxism to continue.

A person may want to consider using stress management techniques if the teeth grinding may be due to frustration or anxiety. A sleep routine that include relaxation techniques can help prevent teeth grinding. Therapy may also be beneficial treatment for teeth grinding by helping the person learn to express anger and anxiety in healthy ways to prevent teeth grinding.