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What is Teeth Grinding, How to Stop It?
Grinding teeth is also known as bruxism. It refers to the unconscious clenching or grinding of the teeth while awake (awake bruxism) or asleep (sleep bruxism).
Although bruxism can affect anybody, it most frequently manifests in childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood.
The precise number of persons who grind their teeth is complex to determine because it often occurs when they are asleep.
Grinding Teeth While Sleeping
Sleep bruxism is not just a habit; it's a sleep-related movement disorder.
People who clench or grind their teeth as they sleep are at an increased risk of developing other sleep problems, such as snoring and breathing pauses (sleep apnea), which can have profound health implications.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat Are the Causes of Teeth Grinding During Sleep?
- The causes of bruxism vary depending on the type. Several factors are associated with bruxism, but a single, apparent reason does not usually cause it.
- Primary bruxism is not associated with any other health condition, including misalignment of teeth, growing teeth, smoking, drinking alcohol, stress, etc.
- In contrast, secondary bruxism is related to other health conditions like some specific medications, including antidepressants, sleep apnea, neurologic conditions, anxiety, and depression.
Grinding Teeth Consequences
- Damage from grinding teeth include:
- Tooth damage- breaking of teeth due to grinding
- Loose tooth
- Enamel wear causes periodontal problems
- Disturbed sleep
- Pain in the jaw region
- Headaches and earaches
What are the Treatment Options for Teeth Grinding?
If bruxism symptoms are minimal, there is no need for any treatment. For more severe cases, few treatment options are available.
- A mouth guard for grinding teeth is the most common treatment offered to kids suffering from bruxism.
- A mouth guard is also known as a mouth splint. A dentist may recommend using a mouthguard during sleep to prevent complications. These mouthguards, often made of flexible plastic or rubber, are specifically designed for bruxism. Mouth splints are fitted directly over the teeth. A splint may maintain a more relaxed haw position or act as a barrier to absorb any force.
- Some patients use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate pain or discomfort.
- If stress could be the reason for bruxism, finding ways to reduce stress may be helpful.
- Some lifestyle changes may also help minimise bruxism in cases of bruxism due to smoking, drinking or caffeine. Quitting smoking and reducing caffeine intake may help.
- Dentists may recommend Botox injections in case of severe bruxism. These injections reduce pain by temporarily relaxing muscles.
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Book an AppointmentWhat are Some Home Remedies for Teeth Grinding?
Sometimes, it is impossible to quit clenching or grinding your teeth, especially if you do it while sleeping. By practising self-care, Practicing self-care can help reduce primary bruxism.
- Practice mindfulness, making time for relaxation.
- Frequent dental checkups
- Applying heat to jaw muscles may be relaxing.
- Quit smoking alcohol and avoid caffeine
- Reduce stress
Frequently Asked Questions
Primary bruxism is caused by misalignment of teeth, growing teeth, smoking, drinking alcohol, and stress. Secondary bruxism is caused by some medications like antidepressants, sleep apnea, neurologic conditions, anxiety, and depression.
Some of the signs of bruxism include:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Pain in the jaws
- Earaches
- Headache
- Enamel wearing off
- Disrupted sleep.
- Tooth damage- breaking of teeth due to grinding
- Loose tooth
- Enamel wear causing periodontal problems
- Disturbed sleep
- Pain in the jaw region
- Headaches and earaches
There are several effective treatment options available for bruxism, depending on the underlying cause. Some of them include:
- Mouth splints
- Stress-reducing techniques
- Medications like ibuprofen
- Botox injections
Yes, stress and anxiety trigger clenching and grinding of teeth while sleeping.
There is evidence that genetics may trigger bruxism, but that could be only one of the reasons for grinding teeth. Other factors include stress, smoking, drinking, sleep disorder, and certain medications.
Some of the steps to prevent tooth grinding are:
- Practice mindfulness, making time for relaxation.
- Frequent dental checkups
- Applying heat to jaw muscles may be relaxing.
- Quit smoking alcohol and avoid caffeine
- Reduce stress
Yes, a few lifestyle modifications may help reduce bruxism:
- Squit smoking and alcohol
- Reduce caffeine intake
- Good oral hygiene
- Regular dental checkups.
Yes, teeth grinding may sometimes be a cause of underlying medical conditions like:
- Sleep disorders
- Neurological conditions
- TMJ disorders
- Medication side effects
- Ear problems
- Stress and anxiety
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