Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Teeth grinding/clenching or Bruxism usually occurs while sleeping. The cause of bruxism is believed to be related to stress and anxiety or abnormal alignment of the teeth or jaws and can affect both children and adults. Many cases do not require treatment but if severe, it can damage your teeth and jaw muscles, which can lead to further complications.

Symptoms

  • Grinding sounds during sleep
  • Teeth sensitive to heat, cold, or brushing
  • Tense facial or jaw muscles
  • Hairline crack of the enamel on some teeth
  • Sore teeth
  • Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis)
  • Headache especially if it is present when waking in the morning
  • Damage to the inside of the cheek (from biting or chewing)
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)
  • Teeth will have flattened tips, excessive wear, or thin enamel

 

Mental and Emotional Causes

1.Stressful Lifestyle 

Teeth grinding is our body’s way of dealing with stress, pressure or any negative emotion. 

2.Sleep Disorder 

People who snore, talk, or experience sleep paralysis are more likely to grind their teeth. 

3.Suppressed Anger 

People who are experiencing a certain degree of frustration are likely to come down with teeth grinding episodes. 

 

Physical Causes

1.Teething 

Often experienced by kids, the pain associated with causes the grinding of jaws during sleep. 

2.Genetics 

If you or your partner brux, chances are, your children may pick up the habit.

3.Medication 

Teeth grinding can sometimes occur as a side effect of taking certain types of medication like antidepressants and antipsychotics. 

4.Illness 

Nervous system disorder (e.g. Parkinson’s and Huntington’s) affect the body’s neural system. 

5.Dehydration 

Everyday habits like smoking and drinking coffee or alcohol can dehydrate you, which can trigger teeth-grinding episodes. 

6.Misalignment 

Poor teeth and jaw alignment frequently result in involuntary grinding of teeth.

How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth?

Problem Solution
Are you Stressed?  See a counselor, do biofeedback exercises, relax your muscles, or try meditation and yoga. 
Do you have dental problems?  Go for Occlusal Therapy, which might just help correct your teeth alignment. 
Are you taking medication?  Discuss this with your doctor to check for side effects and to prevent complications. 
Do you have other health issues?  Alongside stress reduction therapies, you may want to speak with your doctor about other medications and therapies for relief.

 

Types of Treatment

Cognitive Treatment This method focuses on changing behavior through various techniques:

  • Biofeedback
  • Stress Management
  • Relaxation therapy or exercises
Orthodontic Treatment Your dentist may recommend a protective mouth appliance, such as a night guard that can absorb the pressure of constant night grinding.
Medication Medication is recommended for short-term use only:

  • Muscle relaxants
  • Mild sleeping aids
  • Injection of Botulinum Toxin (Botox) in severe cases
  • Novel medications such as clonidine are being explored as alternative treatments for some patients.