Many people are not aware that they are grinding their teeth, is there you among them? Let's take a look at how to identify and solve the problem of grinding teeth.
Life hands us plenty of stress, and many people believe they have no choice but to just muddle through it. But our bodies often react to everyday pressures in surprising ways. For example, many people grind their teeth, often without knowing it — a habit that dentists call bruxism. While it can be a source of discomfort and dental issues, there are effective solutions available to help manage this condition, such as protective dental appliances.
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a condition where a person grinds, clenches, or gnashes his or her teeth; it can occur when awake or asleep. Bruxism that happens while a person is awake is more common, but bruxism that happens during sleep has been studied more. Children as well as adults can have this condition.
A 2021 survey by the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute showed that more than 70% of dentists noticed signs of teeth grinding and clenching in their patients, an increase of nearly 10% over the previous year. More than 60% of dentists noted that patients had problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), including jaw pain and headaches.
Signs of Grinding Teeth
Most people aren’t aware that they are clenching or grinding their teeth.
Dentists and dental hygienists are often the first to notice the signs of teeth grinding, which include chipped or cracked teeth or worn, damaged spots along the edges of teeth.
While most people grind their teeth while they’re sleeping, many also clench or grind during the day, especially when they’re feeling tense, worried or pressured.
If you are grinding your teeth, you might notice:
- Pain or tenderness in your jaw
- Dull headaches
- Plugged, painful or itchy ears
- Neck pain
Why Grinding Teeth
Several factors appear to have a role in the development of the condition. They include:
- Psychosocial factors: Stress, mood, distress, nervousness, and ‘feeling blue.’
- Sleep disorders
- Teeth that don’t line up properly
- Missing or crooked teeth
- A person’s genes.
- Consuming alcohol or caffeine.
- Smoking.
- Medications: Certain medicines used to treat depression, seizures, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may increase the chances of having bruxism.
Avoiding Damage from Grinding Teeth
Here are some possible treatments you may wish to discuss with your healthcare provider(s):
1. Behavior Change
Change the resting mouth and jaw position to reduce the clenching and grinding of teeth. Increase awareness and reduce clenching and grinding habits.
2. Stress Management
Reduce stress-related responses, which may decrease bruxism.
3. Mouth Guard (intraoral appliances)
Use a mouth guard to separate the teeth; this prevents tooth damage and may reduce muscle activity due to grinding and clenching.
4. Dental Treatment
Repair teeth that have been chipped or worn away. Crowns or other procedures may be needed.
Some Helpful Tips
- Visit your dentist regularly. Regular dental exams will give your dentist an opportunity to spot the signs of bruxism.
- Try relaxing activities like yoga or meditation. Counseling may also help with stress reduction.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Don’t smoke.
- Set reminders to yourself (such as written notes or a timer on your cell phone) to keep your teeth apart if you grind or clench during the day.
Notice
A custom guard, made from a special mold that your dentist creates, will give you the closest, most comfortable fit. It also sold online and in stores, but may not provide the same protection as a guard made just for you.
References
Bruxism. (July 2022). National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Teeth grinding and jaw pain. American Dental Assoclation.