Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, or bruxism is a common dental problem due to involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth occurring during sleep. Though occasional teeth grinding is normal or severe, bruxism may be the reason for dental and health concerns. Knowing the causes, consequences, and available treatment options for teeth grinding is necessary for maintaining oral health and preventing further complications.

Causes of teeth grinding

Bruxism may be the reason for various factors, which are the following:

• Anxiety and stress:Stress, anxiety, or tension may be the reason for teeth grinding during your sleep.
• Misaligned Teeth:Bite or tooth alignment irregularities can cause bruxism as the teeth may not fit together correctly.
• Sleep Disorders:Conditions like sleep apnea can enhance the risk of teeth grinding.
• Lifestyle Factors:Too much intake of coffee, alcohol consumption, and smoking might lead to bruxism.
• Medications:Certain medications like antidepressants may have bruxism as a side effect.
• Age:Bruxism is more common in kids, though it can be present in adults.

Consequences of teeth grinding

Chronic teeth grinding might have many negative consequences, such as:

• Oral damage: Grinding can cause tooth wear, fractures and chipping, leading to severe pain and sensitivity.
• Jaw Pain: Bruxism may lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, causing facial discomfort, headache and jaw pain.
• Sleep Disturbance: Teeth grinding might disrupt your sleep patterns for both the affected individual and their sleep partner.
• Earache: The pressure from grinding may cause radiation to the ears, causing discomfort.

Treatment for teeth grinding

The treatment options for bruxism will depend on its severity and underlying causes. Some of these include:

• Manage stress:Some techniques for managing stress levels and anxiety include counselling, relaxation exercises or therapy. It can help to lessen teeth grinding.
• Mouthguards or Splints:Dentists offer customised splints or mouthguards to wear when sleeping. It can help to protect teeth and lessen pressure on the jaw.
• Orthodontic method:Correcting bite irregularities or misaligned teeth can lessen bruxism.
• Medications:There are cases when muscle relaxants or certain medications may be prescribed to lessen stress and anxiety.
• Biofeedback:Biofeedback methods help individuals become aware of their grinding habits and learn to control them.

Prevention

To avoid teeth grinding, individuals need to consider the following:

• Deal with anxiety and stress with relaxation techniques and stress-reduction strategies.
• Do not take caffeine and alcohol before going to bed.
• Establish good sleep hygiene practices.
• Teeth grinding or clenching during waking hours and trying to relax your jaws.
• Use a humidifier in the bedroom for moist air.

Consult a dentist for persistent or severe bruxism to know the underlying causes and the most suitable treatment option for your case.