What Is Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)?
Teeth grinding—also bruxism—is more prevalent than you may believe. It takes place when you grind or clench your teeth, often even unknowingly. Even though some grind during the day, it’s most common at night while sleeping. Many are unaware they’re grinding until a sleeping partner hears the grinding or a dentist notices the signs during a checkup.
How to Notice the Symptoms of Bruxism
Because nighttime grinding happens while you’re sleeping, you might struggle to notice yourself. Some of the most prevalent symptoms include waking up with jaw pain, headaches in the mornings, or teeth that feel abraded or chipped. You will also feel a stiffness in your jaw, pain in your mouth while opening and closing, or small cuts on your cheeks from clenching. In more severe cases, teeth become loose, cracked, or even knocked out. If you find yourself doing any of these, it’s worth bringing them up to your dentist.
Why Do People Grind Their Teeth?
The causes of bruxism can be very diverse. Daytime grinding is most commonly linked with stress, worry, or focused effort, as when you’re in traffic or the zone. Night grinding is more likely to be a symptom of other sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, certain medications, or other conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Sometimes, there’s no distinguishable cause for it. When bruxism exists independently, it’s called primary bruxism. If caused by another condition that happens in your body or by a medication, it’s secondary.
How Dentists Diagnose Bruxism
Most instances of bruxism are detected during a dental examination. Your dentist may see signs such as flattened or chipped teeth, tenderness in the jaw, or bite changes. They’ll tend to monitor these changes over time and observe if the condition is worsening. In a few instances, X-rays can be employed to detect deeper damage. If your dentist suspects a sleep disorder, he/she may refer you to a sleep specialist. And if stress or anxiety seems to be an issue, visiting a mental health expert may also be beneficial.
How Teeth Grinding Affects Your Health
Infrequent grinding of teeth typically isn’t a serious problem. But if it recurs more frequently or with greater force, it can lead to real harm. Grinding can grind away at teeth over time, causing cracks, sensitivity, or tooth loss. It can affect your jaw joints, too, making it more likely to develop temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. And some individuals can suffer from chronic pain, headaches, or changes in the facial structure as a result of fatigued jaw muscles.
Effective Methods for Treating and Managing Bruxism
Dental Procedures
A splint or mouthguard is one of the most common treatments. This will protect your teeth at night. Your dentist can create these especially for you, or you can buy them at the drugstore. If damage has already occurred, your dentist may recommend repairing worn teeth with crowns or refinishing some surfaces so that your bite will improve.
Therapy and Behavioral Changes
If tension is present, relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing, or exercise may relieve it. Other people find it helpful to place small reminders—the desk or fridge, perhaps—to remind them to have a relaxed jaw. The reminder “lips apart, teeth apart” is a simple one to avoid clenching. Jaw exercises and biofeedback therapy, in which sensors make you more aware of the tension in your muscles, can also be beneficial.
Medication and Medical Methods
While not necessarily the initial choice, some medications can assist. Muscle relaxants can be ordered for temporary nighttime use. Botox injections into the masseter muscles have been found to decrease involuntary clenching in some individuals. For individuals whose bruxism is associated with anxiety or depression, a brief course of medication for these disorders may be initiated.
Self-Care and Lifestyle Strategies
Small changes in your daily routine can make a big impact. Attempt to reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption—especially at night—and get consistent sleep. Steer clear of chewing gum or very hard foods if your jaw is tender already. Apply a warm compress or ice pack, rub your jaw and neck muscles, or perform gentle stretches to relax tension and pain.
When to Talk to Your Dentist
Keeping your dental checkups up to date is the best way to catch bruxism in its early stages and avoid long-term damage. If you think that you may be grinding your teeth, particularly if you wake up with a headache or feel changes in your bite, don’t be afraid to mention it. Your dentist will be able to determine what is happening and advise on the best way to safeguard your teeth and jaw.
Related
