Understand and Stop Harmful Teeth Grinding - Signs, Causes & Treatments

Understanding Bruxism or Teeth Grinding

If you wake up with a sore, tired jaw or experience frequent headaches, you may be unknowingly grinding your teeth at night. This condition is known as bruxism and involves clenching, gnashing, or gritting the teeth during sleep or while awake.

Bruxism affects roughly 10-15% of adults and can lead to many oral health issues if left unchecked. In this article, well cover the signs and causes of bruxism, ways to stop grinding your teeth, and tips to protect your oral health.

Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth

Here are some of the most common symptoms that indicate you may have bruxism:

Morning Jaw Pain

Waking up with a sore, stiff, or painful jaw is a telltale sign of nighttime teeth grinding. This results from sustained tension in the jaw muscles overnight.

Headaches

Grinding puts pressure on the muscles and joints of the jaw, which can radiate outward and trigger headaches. These are often focused around the temples upon waking.

Damage to Teeth

Ongoing grinding gradually damages tooth enamel. You may notice cracked teeth or excessive wear that flattens and thins the biting surfaces over time.

Disruption for Bed Partners

Intense grinding makes audible noises that can disturb light sleepers. A partner may complain of hearing frequent grinding sounds.

Jaw Muscle Soreness

After bouts of heavy clenching and grinding, you may experience pain or tenderness in the muscles that control jaw movement. This usually manifests as soreness on the sides of your face.

If you suspect you're grinding based on the above symptoms, talk to your dentist. They can examine your mouth for signs of damage and may recommend a night guard to protect your teeth.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

Bruxism can happen night or day. Here are some of the most common causes:

Stress and Anxiety

Emotional stress and anxiety are major contributors to teeth grinding. Clenching jaws can serve as a physical outlet for built up tension.

Sleep Disturbances

Light, disrupted sleep can trigger grinding episodes at night. Conditions like sleep apnea may also increase the chances of nighttime bruxism.

Genetics

Some people may have a genetic predisposition to nighttime teeth grinding. Having family members with bruxism makes you more prone.

Malocclusion

A bad bite or teeth misalignment can put excess pressure on certain teeth. This may prompt grinding or clenching to find a more comfortable position.

Medications

Some medications like certain antidepressants are linked to increased bruxism. Talk to your doctor if you suspect a medication is contributing.

Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking and heavy alcohol use are both associated with a higher incidence of teeth grinding, especially at night.

Identifying potential lifestyle factors or health issues causing your bruxism is an important first step to addressing the problem.

Dangers of Chronic Teeth Grinding

While occasional grinding won't do major damage, ongoing unchecked bruxism can lead to:

Tooth Damage

Chronic grinding wears away enamel, fractures teeth, and can lead to tooth loss over time. This damage is cumulative and irreversible.

Pain

Grinding strains facial muscles and jaw joints, resulting in soreness, tenderness, and pain that disrupts sleep and daily life.

Headaches

Frequent tension headaches and migraines often accompany long-term bruxism.

TMJ Disorders

Strain on the temporomandibular joint from repetitive grinding can lead to TMJ disorders like displacement of jaw cartilage and arthritis.

Sleep Disturbances

Loud grinding interrupts sleep for both you and bed partners. Chronic fatigue often results. Sleep apnea risk may also increase.

To avoid negative impacts on your oral and physical health, take steps to stop grinding as soon as possible.

Tips to Stop Grinding Your Teeth

Here are some strategies to help curb bruxism:

Stress Management

Relaxation practices like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and massage can reduce anxiety that contributes to grinding. Maintaining work-life balance is also key.

Limit Caffeine and Alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol promote teeth grinding, so avoid use within 2-3 hours of bedtime. Moderating overall intake can also help.

Improve Sleep Habits

Prioritize a regular sleep schedule and wind down routines. Addressing any sleep disorders will minimize nighttime grinding.

Apply Heat

Massaging sore jaw muscles with a warm compress before bed relaxes tension that causes grinding.

Avoid Chewing Gum

Constant gum chewing engages the jaw muscles and makes nighttime clenching more likely. Limit gum to mealtimes only.

Night Guards

Custom dental night guards shield teeth from grinding damage and cushion jaws for a more restful sleep.

It may take some trial and error to find the most effective strategies to stop bruxism. But protecting your oral health is worth the effort.

Treatment Options for Bruxism

If lifestyle changes aren't fully resolving nighttime or daytime teeth grinding, talk to your dentist. Professional treatments like:

Botox

Botox injections relax the muscles that control jaw clenching and grinding. Effects last 3-6 months.

Prescription Medication

Drugs like muscle relaxers or dopamine agonists may be prescribed to reduce grinding in some cases.

Mouth Guards and Splints

Custom night guards are the most common professional treatment. These cushion jaws and prevent tooth damage.

Physical Therapy

Stretches and massage can retrain jaw and head muscle movement patterns.

Your dentist will determine appropriate treatments based on the suspected cause and severity of your bruxism.

Protecting Your Oral Health

No matter the cause or severity, teeth grinding strains the jaw and damages tooth enamel. Here are some tips to minimize impacts:

Get a Custom Night Guard

These mouthpieces cushion grinding forces and prevent fractures or chipping. They're a must for moderate to severe bruxism.

Use a Desensitizing Toothpaste

These contain compounds to seal exposed dentin and reduce sensitivity that results from enamel loss.

Monitor for Damage

Visit your dentist regularly so they can check for issues like fractures, decay, or gum recession caused by grinding.

Get Cracks Treated Quickly

Sealing cracks with dental bonding when they first appear prevents more extensive tooth fractures down the road.

Consider Dental Restorations

For advanced damage, crowns, veneers, or bridges reinforce teeth against grinding forces long-term.

While bruxism can be challenging to treat completely, protecting your oral health is possible with the right strategies

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.