Everything you should know about teeth grinding

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a condition that causes individuals to clench, grind, or gnash their teeth as a result of stress, anxiety, and other factors. Many people unintentionally grind their teeth from time to time, which typically does not cause harm. However, when teeth are ground regularly, tooth damage and other oral health complications can arise_.1 Chronic teeth grinding has the potential to result in the fracture, loosening, or loss of teeth. It can also wear teeth down and cause both oral and bodily pain. If you are experiencing discomfort as a result of this condition, see your dentist who will determine the best course of treatment. Depending on the severity of any damage caused by bruxing, treatment can range from a night guard to tooth replacement.

Signs and Symptoms of Teeth Grinding

Since teeth grinding often occurs during sleep, many people are unaware that they grind their teeth. So, it is important to know the signs and symptoms to watch out for. If you notice any of the following, we suggest you raise them with your dentist, as you may be at risk:

• Headaches₂
• Teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped, or loose₃
• Worn tooth enamel that exposes deep layers of your tooth₃
• Tooth pain or sensitivity₃
• Jaw, neck, or face pain or soreness₃
• Sleep disruption₃
• Grinding sounds while asleep₁
• Temperature-sensitivity in teeth₄
• Tooth indentations on the tongue₄
• Aching and/or stiffness of the face and temples just after waking up₅

Common Causes of Teeth Grinding

There are a number of reasons why you might start grinding your teeth.

• Oral Problems: Tooth issues such as an abnormal bite, missing, or crooked teeth can cause individuals to grind their teeth. There may also be an issue with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or the muscles around the jaw. If these muscles spasm during sleep, it can trigger teeth grinding. Children are also more likely to grind their teeth when their teeth are misaligned or growing in.₁
• Anxiety & Stress: Worrying excessively can cause you to clench your jaw and work it back and forth. Problems in the workplace, relationship issues, financial troubles, and other bothersome situations can result in emotional distress that can, in turn, cause some individuals to grind their teeth.₅
• Other Medical Conditions: Certain disorders like Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can cause teeth grinding. The condition can also arise as a side effect of certain medications, such as antidepressants.₃

When to see a Dentist/Doctor

If you have any of the signs or symptoms mentioned above, schedule an appointment with your dentist. It is important to keep up with regular appointments so that your dentist can monitor for signs of dental damage. Your dentist will help identify the best solution for your unique situation. In severe cases where tooth damage or jaw pain is present, your dentist may recommend treatment options that include, but are not limited to:

• Splints & Mouthguards: Constructed of hard acrylic or soft materials, these devices are designed to keep teeth separated from each other in order to avoid the damage caused by grinding and clenching.₃
• Dental Correction: In cases where tooth wear has led to sensitivity or the inability to chew comfortably, your dentist may opt to reshape the chewing surfaces of your teeth or use crowns to repair the damage grinding has caused.₃
• Therapy: If stress is causing you to grind your teeth, ask your doctor or dentist about options that can help reduce your stress levels. There are many options to explore such as joining an exercise program, but it's best to first start by contacting your dentist.

Teeth grinding can be caused by a number of factors including age, stress, anxiety, and other issues. However, it can be alleviated or cured through a number of approaches. Find an in-network dentist near you HERE.

_Sources:

_{1. Staff, WebMD. "Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Causes and Treatments." WebMD, WebMD, 2019}

_{2. Staff, Colgate. "How to Stop Grinding My Teeth | Colgate Oral Care." Colgate, Colgate Oral Care, 2019}

_{3. Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 10 Aug. 2017, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356100}

_{4. About Bruxism.” Sleep.ai, 20 Feb. 2017, sleep.ai/information/grinding-bruxism/}

_{5. Department of Health & Human Services. “Teeth Grinding.” Better Health Channel, Department of Health & Human Services, 30 Apr. 2015, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/teeth-grinding}