According
to medical dictionary the definition of bruxism is the habit of clenching and
grinding the teeth. It most often occurs at night during sleep, but it may also
occur during the day. It is an unconscious behavior, perhaps performed to
release anxiety, aggression, or anger. Occasional teeth grinding,
medically called bruxism, does not usually cause harm, but when
teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and
other oral health complications can arise.
Why Do
People Grind Their Teeth?
Although
teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, it often occurs during
sleep and is more likely caused by an abnormal bite or missing or crooked
teeth. It can also be caused by a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea.
How Do
I Find Out if I Grind My Teeth?
Because
grinding often occurs during sleep, most people are unaware that they grind
their teeth. However, a dull, constant headache or sore jaw when you wake
up is a telltale symptom of bruxism. Many times people learn that they grind
their teeth by their loved one who hears the grinding at night.
If you
suspect you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist.
Some
factors for bruxism may include:
• Your daily stress level
• How long and how tightly you clench and
grind your teeth
• Whether your teeth are misaligned
• Your ability to relax
• Your diet
• Your sleeping habits
• Depression
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Sore or painful jaw
How is
bruxism harmful?
In
some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in a fracturing, loosening, or
loss of teeth. The chronic grinding may wear teeth down to stumps. When these
events happen, crowns, bridges, implants or and even dentures may be
needed.
What
are my treatment options if I have bruxism?
Some
self-care tips may help relieve pain before you consult a professional. These
include:
• Apply ice or wet heat to sore jaw
muscles.
• Avoid eating hard or dense foods like
nuts, candies, and steak.
• Do not chew gum.
• Drink plenty of water every day.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Learn physical therapy stretching
exercises to help the muscles and joints on each side of your head get back to
normal.
• Massage the muscles of your neck,
shoulders, and face. Look for small, painful nodules called trigger points that
can cause pain throughout your head and face.
• Relax your face and jaw muscles
throughout the day. The goal is to make facial relaxation a habit.
• Try to reduce your stress levels.
To
prevent damage to your teeth, mouth guards or appliances (splints) are often
used to treat teeth grinding, clenching, and TMJ disorders. A splint may help
protect your teeth from the pressure of clenching.
In
some people, just relaxing and modifying daytime behavior is enough to reduce
nighttime bruxism. Methods to directly modify nighttime clenching have not been
well studied. They include biofeedback devices, self-hypnosis, and other
alternative therapies.
Call Thousand Oaks Smile
Design
today at 805-492-3553 if you suspect you or a family member have bruxism.
Our gentle and caring staff can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of
bruxism, such as jaw tenderness and excessive wear on your teeth. We can
fit you with a mouth guard to help prevent bruxism and further damage to your
teeth.
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