Most people probably grind and clench their teeth from time to time. Occasional teeth grinding, medically called bruxism, does not usually cause harm, but when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise.
Although teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, it often occurs during sleep and is more likely caused by an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth.
Because grinding often occurs during sleep, most people are unaware that they grind their teeth. However, a dull, constant headache or sore jaw is a telltale symptom of bruxism. Many times, people learn that they grind their teeth from their loved one who hears the grinding at night.
If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, talk to Dr. Erik Mendelsohn. He can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, such as jaw tenderness and abnormalities in your teeth.
Grinding Harmful?
In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in the fracturing, loosening, or loss of teeth. The chronic grinding may wear their teeth down to stumps. When these events happen, bridges, crowns, root canals, implants, partial dentures, and even complete dentures may be needed.
Not only can severe grinding damage teeth and result in tooth loss, but it can also affect your jaws, result in hearing loss, cause or worsen TMD/TMJ, and even change the appearance of your face.
Dr. Erik Mendelsohn can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth from grinding during sleep.
If stress is causing you to grind your teeth, ask Dr. Erik about options to reduce your stress. Attending stress counseling, starting an exercise program, seeing a physical therapist, or obtaining a prescription for muscle relaxants are among the options that may be offered.
Teeth Grinding Include:
Avoid or cut back on foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as colas, chocolate, and coffee
Avoid alcohol. Grinding tends to intensify after alcohol consumption
Do not chew on pencils, pens, or anything that is not food. Avoid chewing gum, as it allows your jaw muscles to get more used to clenching and makes you more likely to grind your teeth
Train yourself not to clench or grind your teeth. If you notice that you clench or grind during the day, position the tip of your tongue between your teeth. This practice trains your jaw muscles to relax
Relax your jaw muscles at night by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe
Grind Their Teeth?
The problem of teeth grinding is not limited to adults. Approximately 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth. Children who grind their teeth tend to do so at two peak times — when their baby teeth emerge and when their permanent teeth come in. Most children lose the teeth-grinding habit after these two sets of teeth have come in more fully.
Most commonly, children grind their teeth during sleep rather than during waking hours. No one knows exactly why children grind their teeth, but considerations include improperly aligned teeth or irregular contact between upper and lower teeth, illnesses and other medical conditions (such as nutritional deficiencies, pinworm, allergies, endocrine disorders), and psychological factors, including anxiety and stress.
Grinding of the baby teeth rarely results in problems. However, teeth grinding can cause jaw pain, headaches, wear on the teeth, and TMD. Consult Dr. Erik Mendelsohn if your child’s teeth look worn or if your child complains of tooth sensitivity or pain.
No intervention is usually required with preschool-age children. However, older children may need temporary crowns or other methods, such as a night guard, to prevent the grinding.
Schedule your visit with our dentists in Egg Harbor Township, NJ and take the first step toward a healthier smile.
