Teeth grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism, puts pressure on the muscles, tissues, and other structures around your jaw.  It is a common problem (affecting 8% - 31% of the general population) that can be painful and destructive to teeth. You may not even be aware that this is occurring.  In some cases, it’s your partner who is the first to be aware of the problem as s/he hears the grinding while you’re sleeping.  Occasional bruxism may not cause any real concerns, but when it’s done regularly over time, it can cause broken teeth, loss of tooth enamel, and in severe cases, loss of teeth. Left untreated it can cause temporomandibular joint problems (TMJ). The exact cause is unknown, but it’s believed that stress, anxiety, and tension play the biggest role. Other causes may also be alcohol use, cigarettes, caffeine, sleep apnea, snoring, an abnormal bite, and crooked teeth.

 

Signs and symptoms of bruxism:

• Teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped, or loose.

• Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of your tooth.

• Increased tooth pain or sensitivity.

• Tired or tight jaw muscles, or a locked jaw that won't open or close completely.

• Jaw, neck or face pain or soreness.

• Pain that feels like an earache.

• Dull headache starting in the temples.

• Damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek.

• Sleep disruption.

 

Call us today for an appointment if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. 

 

Do Children Grind Their Teeth?

• Approximately 15% - 33% of children grind their teeth. They tend to do so at two peak times -- when their baby teeth emerge and when their permanent teeth come in. Most children lose the teeth grinding habit after these two sets of teeth have come in more fully.

 

• Most commonly, children grind their teeth during sleep rather than during waking hours. No one knows exactly why they grind their teeth but it is believed that improperly aligned teeth or irregular contact between upper and lower teeth, illnesses, certain medical conditions, and psychological factors including anxiety and stress may be the cause.

 

• Grinding of the baby teeth rarely results in problems. However, teeth grinding can cause jaw pain, headaches, wear on the teeth, and TMJ.

 

Call us if your child's teeth look worn or if your child complains of tooth sensitivity or pain. 

 

Treatment (Night Guards):

Most cases of bruxism can easily be treated by wearing a nightguard while you sleep. Nightguards are also known as dental guards, mouth guards, nocturnal bite plates, or bite splints. They work by putting a barrier between your teeth. When you clench your jaw, the night guard helps to lighten the tension and give cushion to the muscles in the jaw. This cushioning not only helps to prevent face and jaw pain but also protects the irreplaceable enamel of your teeth. Managing your stress and anxiety should also be part of an overall treatment plan to reduce the symptoms.