How to Tell If You're Grinding Your Teeth and What To Do

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism refers to excessive teeth grinding or jaw clenching. It typically occurs during sleep, though some people also catch themselves clenching their teeth when awake.

This parafunctional habit often worsens with stress. The grinding puts immense pressure on teeth that can lead to cracked enamel, damage to crowns and bridges, and increased tooth sensitivity.

Symptoms That May Indicate Bruxism

Wondering "do I grind my teeth?" Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms:

• Headaches upon waking
• Sore, tired jaw muscles
• Increased tooth pain or sensitivity
• Flattened, fractured, or loose teeth
• Worn tooth enamel

Sleep partners may also notice grinding noises at night. Some grinders clench their jaw muscles without making noise, making it possible to damage teeth without realizing it.

Risk Factors

Multiple factors can raise bruxism risk:

• Stress and anxiety
• Sleep disorders
• Aggressive personality type
• Alcohol and caffeine consumption
• Smoking
• Certain medications

Dangers: What Does Teeth Grinding Do?

When left untreated, bruxism can lead to many oral health problems:

Tooth Damage

Powerful grinding forces can crack tooth enamel or fracture teeth entirely. It also accelerates wearing of the biting surfaces. This tooth destruction gets worse over time.

Lost Dental Work

The excessive pressure placed on teeth can also pop out fillings or break bridges, crowns, and dental implants.

Jaw Disorders

All that muscle strain can inflame the temporomandibular joints connecting the jawbone to the skull. This can spur TMJ disorders featuring chronic soreness and restricted jaw mobility.

Headaches

Grinding leads to muscle knots and pain that commonly radiate up the neck and cause tension headaches or migraines.

When To See A Dentist

Make a dental appointment right away if you notice symptoms of bruxism or existing dental problems worsening. Identifying grinders early better protects long term dental health.

Dentist Checks for Damage

During an exam, the dentist will check thoroughly for signs of wear, fracture lines, tooth mobility, sensitivity, and problems with dental work. They can then fully assess the current damage to determine appropriate treatment.

Professional Treatments

Depending on severity, the dentist may recommend everything from dental repair procedures, bites guards, and botox injections to lifestyle changes. Addressing bruxism early on increases your odds of reversing damage.

At-Home Ways to Stop Grinding Teeth

You can also take matters into your own hands by identifying lifestyle factors contributing to parafunctional habits. Heres how to curb teeth grinding from home:

Monitor Stress

Assess stress levels and identify triggers like work pressure, relationship issues, or anxiety so you can better manage these issues.

Adjust Sleep Habits

Get on a regular sleep schedule and wind down properly before bed with relaxing activities to promote sufficient shut-eye.

Limit Stimulants

Cut back on caffeinated/alcoholic drinks that interfere with quality sleep needed to prevent excessive grinding.

Try DIY Mouth Guards

Use boil-and-bite mouth guards available at pharmacies to protect your teeth at night. See your dentist for custom-fit night guards if OTC ones fail to stop bruxism.

Use Hot/Cold Compresses

Applying ice packs can relieve sore jaw muscles after waking. Heat boosts blood flow to relax the area before bed.

Practice Stress Relief

Yoga, meditation, massages and other calming activities before bed teach your body how to physically unwind.

When to Seek Professional Help

Severe, consistent teeth grinding that causes ongoing damage requires medical support. Talk to your dentist about possible referrals to:

Oral Surgeon

For jaw issues related to TMJ disorders, an oral surgeon can provide specialized care.

Orthodontist

If bite alignment problems contribute to grinding, orthodontic treatment may help.

Mental Health Professional

Since stress often triggers the condition, visiting a counselor or therapist gives you healthy coping tools.

With proper management, you can overcome clenching and grinding habits to protect your oral health in the long run.

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.