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Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is the action of chronically clenching and rubbing your teeth together. Many people are unaware they are grinding teeth, especially when it happens at night. In fact, grinding teeth while sleeping is one of the most common forms of bruxism.
If you wake up with jaw pain, a dull or constant headache (a common side effect of bruxism), or notice excessive wear on your teeth, you might be having symptoms of teeth grinding.
Teeth grinding is a common condition, affecting more than one-third of adults during the day and one in ten adults during sleep.
Understanding the teeth grinding causes and the potential consequences is key to preventing long-term oral health issues.
[Related: How to Deal with Minor and Major Tooth Pain]
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding can be caused by a number of different things.
Awake Bruxism
If you find yourself grinding your teeth while you’re awake, it is usually because of emotional issues, such as:
- Stress
- Anger
- Depression
- Anxiety
It can also be spurred by intense concentration.
Grinding Teeth While Sleeping
When grinding teeth while sleeping, the causes can be more complex and harder to identify. Sleep bruxism may be associated with:
- Missing teeth
- Acid reflux
- Sleep disorders like sleep apnea
- Things like tobacco, caffeine, drugs, and drink alcohol
There are also risk factors associated with bruxism. These include genetics, personality types (such as being highly driven or competitive), and certain medical conditions.
Notably, some research has linked attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to a higher prevalence of bruxism in both children and adults.
What Are the Effects of Teeth Grinding?
Frequently clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth may seem innocuous initially, but it can lead to significant grinding teeth consequences.
The consequences or effects of teeth grinding, encompass a range of issues, including:
- Tooth fractures
- Persistent dull headaches
- Jaw aches
- Muscular problems
- Conditions such as Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)
Long term effects or chronic grinding can also:
- Wear your teeth down or loosen your teeth
- The need for root canals, bridges, crowns, implants, or partial dentures
Additionally, the side effects of untreated bruxism may include interrupted sleep, neck pain, and increased tooth sensitivity.
[Related: Getting Over the Hurdles That Keep You From Seeing Your Dentist]
How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth
Although you might not be able to completely cure yourself of grinding your teeth, especially if you tend to do it while you’re sleeping, you can definitely manage the impulses during the day and prevent too much wear and tear at night.
Here are a few tips to manage the underlying causes of teeth grinding:
- Cut back on or avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, especially in the hours before bed
- Avoid chewing gums and other non-food items
- Be aware of when you clench or grind your teeth and position the tip of your tongue between your teeth to train you to relax
- Relax your jaw muscles by using a warm washcloth compress against your upper jaw at night
- Manage stress and anxiety through exercise, meditation, or therapy
- Go for regular dental check-ups
- Treat other dental issues such as misaligned or missing teeth
In addition to these tips, your dentist can also fit you with a mouth guard or retainer to wear at night to prevent teeth grinding during your sleep.
[Related: The Dental Detriments and Benefits to Coffee and Tea]
Contact Cascadia Dental Specialists Today!
Untreated teeth grinding can affect more than your smile. Over time, the long term effects of teeth grinding may lead to significant issues affecting both your dental health and jaw functionality.
The causes and consequences of teeth grinding are manifold, potentially resulting in severe discomfort and financial burdens.
If you wake up with aching jaws or persistent headaches, or if you observe yourself grinding your teeth during the day, it is imperative to promptly inform your dentist. By addressing the root causes and risks factors, and discussing suitable treatments, you can mitigate the adverse side effects and safeguard both your oral well-being and financial resources.
Don’t let awake bruxism or sleep bruxism go unnoticed! Contact Cascadia Dental today to set up an appointment, or visit our website to learn more about our dental health services.
Featured image via Unsplash
