We all know the feeling of frustration that causes us to clench our teeth in anger. Fortunately, we have the power to regulate our muscles and keep our emotions in check. But what happens when we are unknowingly grinding our teeth? This can happen while we’re sleeping or at any time during the day, almost like a child grinding his teeth when he’s frustrated and can’t control his feelings.
If you are curious about why we grind our teeth, its causes, symptoms, and treatments, then read on for more information.
Why do we grind our teeth?
Bruxism is the involuntary movement of grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw. This generally happens when you’re asleep, but some people may also clench or grind their teeth when they are awake. Most people with bruxism may do so unconsciously or without them realising.
Long term effects of bruxism can be harmful and may need treatment to avoid problems such as teeth damage, jaw disorders and headaches. Some of the reasons behind forceful teeth grinding may include:
Sleep Disorder
Sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea, interrupted or disturbed sleep, night terrors, and snoring can cause teeth grinding.
Stress and Anxiety
One of the most common causes of bruxism is often related to stress and anxiety. Anger and frustration can make it worse, especially for people who grind their teeth during sleep.
Medication
Certain types of medication, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, can cause bruxism as a side effect.
Drugs
Abuse of certain substances, such as stimulants, hallucinogens, cocaine and marijuana, can lead to bruxism.
Missing or Crooked Teeth
Abnormal bites such as over or under bites or missing or crooked teeth can also cause bruxism.
Alcohol, Tobacco and Caffeine Consumption
Consuming large amounts of alcohol and caffeine, especially before going to sleep may cause bruxism. Tobacco use or smoking has also been linked to bruxism.
Teeth grinding symptoms
Most of the time people who may suffer from bruxism may not even be aware they are grinding their teeth. It’s usually when their partner or family wake up to the sound of grinding teeth that it may be discovered. This may not always be possible, and bruxism may continue undetected until your teeth are damaged, or you may experience other adverse effects.
There are some symptoms of bruxism you can look out for if you suspect that you grind your teeth, especially during your sleep. They include:
- Headaches, sore jaw or ear pain
- Fractured or warned tooth/ teeth
- Tooth sensitivity or pain
- Teeth indentations on the tongue
- Redness on the underside of the cheek due to biting
- Facial pain or a stiff jaw that causes difficulty chewing
Why is teeth grinding harmful?
Teeth grinding can wear down your tooth enamel because of the constant stress on them. This causes teeth sensitivity and loss, increasing the risk of tooth fracturing, chipping or breaking your teeth. Bruxism also causes headaches, and facial and ear pain. Jaw stiffness can make it difficult to chew or open your mouth because of the forceful pressure of grinding your teeth subconsciously. Teeth grinding can also lead to loose teeth and damage to your dental restorations such as fillings, dentures and crowns.
How to stop teeth grinding
Teeth grinding is a medical condition which affects around 5% of the Australian population. Since most people don’t know they have bruxism, it’s vital to educate yourself and look out for the symptoms to ensure you don’t suffer from its adverse effects. Luckily, various treatments can help you treat teeth grinding and protect your teeth. Some of them include:
Dental night splint
A dental splint is a dental appliance made from your teeth impressions to help cover your teeth and protect them from the pressure caused by teeth grinding. A dental splint, also called a night guard, is made of a hard plastic material and worn over the teeth at night to protect the tooth enamel from grinding. Regular monitoring and adjustments to the splint may be needed as your teeth move and change position.
Botox on your muscles
Getting Botox on your jaw muscles may help relax them and reduce the frequency of the teeth grinding.
It’s advisable to get to the root cause of why you may be grinding your teeth to treat it permanently. If stress and anxiety are the reason, relaxation and meditation techniques may help. Eliminating coffee at night or reducing its consumption may also prove beneficial. The same applies to alcohol and smoking. Talking to your doctor about any new medication you have started or trying to identify which medication may be causing bruxism can also be the answer. Each person may have different reasons for grinding their teeth at night but realising you have a medical condition and getting the treatment you need is the first step towards recovery and healthier life.
Quality Dental Care at Boon Dental
At Boon Dental, we offer a range of dental services, focusing on preventive dental care for lasting and improved oral and physical health. We genuinely care for our patients and are dedicated to helping them find lasting and bespoke treatments for their dental problems. If you suspect you have bruxism or are looking for reliable dentists at Wentworth Point or Ropes Crossing, we’re happy to help. Talk to our friendly dentists today.