Understanding Tooth Contacting Habits
Tooth contacting habits refer to behaviors where individuals press, grind, or clench their teeth. These habits typically occur unconsciously while awake or during sleep. If left unchecked, tooth contacting habits can lead to a variety of oral health problems. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, the damage from these habits can be reduced or prevented.
Common Types of Tooth Contacting Habits
There are two main categories of tooth contacting habits:
- Bruxism - This refers to grinding or clenching of the teeth. Bruxism often happens during sleep, known as sleep bruxism. However, it can also occur when awake. There are two phases of bruxism: the grinding phase where teeth rub forcefully against each other, and the clenching phase where the jaw muscles contract forcefully.
- Tooth clenching - This is forcefully pressing or squeezing the teeth together. Clenching may happen while awake or asleep. Awake clenching often occurs due to stress or concentration. During sleep, it may be associated with bruxism.
Causes and Risk Factors for Tooth Contacting Habits
Experts aren't entirely sure what causes tooth contacting habits, but contributing factors may include:
- Stress and anxiety
- Aggression or anger
- Hyperactivity
- Genetics
- Jaw abnormalities
- Sleep disorders like sleep apnea
- Neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease
- Medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines, and amphetamines
Factors that increase the risk of bruxism and clenching include:
- Being between the ages of 20-50
- High levels of stress or anxiety
- Hypervigilant personality traits like aggression, competitiveness, or perfectionism
- Use of recreational drugs, alcohol, or tobacco
- Genetic predisposition
- Other sleep disorders like sleep apnea
Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Contacting Habits
Signs and symptoms of tooth contacting habits may include:
- Worn, fractured, or chipped teeth - This occurs due to the grinding and clenching motions which place excessive force on teeth.
- Increased tooth sensitivity - Wear on the enamel exposes dentin which contains nerves and increases sensitivity.
- Pain or soreness in jaw muscles - The muscles are overworked from constant clenching and grinding.
- Headaches or ear pain - Jaw muscles that connect to the skull and ears can refer pain to those areas when strained.
- Facial pain - Muscles and joints in the face are also affected by excessive grinding and clenching.
- Difficulty opening mouth wide - Tight, overworked jaw muscles restrict range of motion.
- Indentations on tongue or inner cheek - Impressions or bite marks from teeth may be visible.
Diagnosing Tooth Contacting Habits
Since bruxism often occurs during sleep, many people are unaware they have a tooth contacting habit until dental damage is evident. As such, regular dental exams are important for early diagnosis. Dentists may diagnose bruxism based on:
- Visible wear, fractures, Sensitivity in teeth
- Enlarged jaw muscles
- Reporting from patient or sleep partner about grinding noises or jaw tension at night.
Sleep studies or electromyography of jaw muscles can also objectively measure bruxism episodes during sleep. Special intraoral devices worn at night can help count the number of bruxism events.
Complications of Tooth Contacting Habits
If tooth contacting habits continue unchecked, complications can include:
- Tooth damage - This ranges from mild wear to cracking and loss of teeth. The excessive forces placed on teeth can cause fractures of fillings, crowns, and dental implants.
- Gum recession - Grinding and clenching leads to receding gums, exposing sensitive root surfaces.
- TMJ disorders - The temporomandibular joints which hinge the jaw can become inflamed and damaged.
- Pain - Jaw, face, neck, shoulder and ear pain are common with overuse of muscles.
- Headaches - Grinding can trigger migraine and tension headaches due to strain on muscles.
- Sleep disturbances - Nocturnal bruxism prevents restful, uninterrupted sleep for the patient and their partner.
Treatment for Tooth Contacting Habits
Treatment aims to prevent further damage to the teeth and jaws while addressing any underlying causes of bruxism and clenching. Options may include:
- Stress management - Relaxation techniques, counseling, exercise, or medications can reduce anxiety and hypervigilance.
- Dental approaches -These include nightguards, bite splints, or orthodontics to protect teeth and adjust occlusion.
- Behavior modification - Being aware of habits and reducing jaw tension when possible.
- Medications - Muscle relaxants, sedatives, or Botox injections can relieve muscle activity.
- Physical therapy - Stretches, massage, and gentle jaw exercises can relieve muscle soreness.
Prevention of Tooth Contacting Habits
Preventive strategies for bruxism and clenching include:
- Managing life stress through counseling, relaxation techniques, meditation, exercise, sleep hygiene, etc.
- Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and other stimulants close to bedtime.
- Treating associated conditions like sleep apnea, ADHD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- Wearing a custom nightguard to protect teeth from grinding forces.
- Practicing mindful jaw relaxation during the day to avoid clenching when stressed.
- Getting regular dental cleanings and exams to monitor for early signs of wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bruxism harmful for my teeth?
Yes, the constant grinding forces can damage teeth. Bruxism can lead to fractures, chipping, and excessive wear down of tooth surfaces. The enamel gets worn away, exposing sensitive dentin underneath.
Can you stop grinding your teeth?
It takes effort to stop tooth grinding habits, especially during sleep when it is unconscious. Practicing stress management and wearing a nightguard can help reduce bruxism episodes. Being aware of daytime clenching and controlling jaw muscle tension can also help.
What causes you to grind your teeth at night?
Doctors aren't entirely certain of the causes. Contributing factors likely include genetics, high stress, sleep disorders, medications, and jaw alignment issues. The hyperactive jaw muscles involuntarily contract forcefully during sleep, leading to grinding.
How do you relax your jaw muscles?
Gently stretch by opening your mouth wide and closing slowly. Massage jaw muscles or use warm compresses. Practice relaxing jaw muscles by resting the tip of the tongue on the roof of the mouth just behind top teeth. Avoid chewing gum or foods that overwork the jaws.
Can TMJ cause tooth grinding?
It's a two-way relationship. Grinding and clenching can cause TMJ disorders from overuse. But jaw joint problems and misalignment of the bite can also contribute to bruxism habits as the body tries to stabilize the bite.
Summary
Tooth contacting habits like grinding and clenching can damage teeth and cause facial pain over time. Managing life stress, adjusting dental work, wearing a nightguard, and being mindful of jaw tension during the day can all help reduce these habits. With proper prevention and treatment, complications can be avoided or minimized.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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