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HomeTopicsSleep Disorder TreatmentsTeeth Grinding
Teeth Grinding: Prevention, Symptoms and TreatmentTeeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can occur when people are awake or asleep, but most people grind teeth even harder while asleep. Nocturnal bruxism is more common, but it is treatable.
Causes of Teeth Grinding
It is not exactly known what causes teeth grinding, but there are several factors tied-in, including:
Alcohol has been shown to worsen nocturnal teeth grinding. It has also been discovered that avoiding caffeinated foods and drinks like colas, chocolates and coffee can increase teeth grinding.
People who grind their teeth should attempt to avoid the habit of chewing on items that are not food, like pencils or pens. This type of habit makes the jaw muscles get used to the clenching, making it more likely that teeth grinding will continue and possibly worsen. Teeth grinding may also be tied into growth and development, especially in cases where children's teeth don't fit together correctly. Three out of every 10 children suffer from teeth grinding from ages five to six. The Harmful Effects of Teeth GrindingTeeth grinding can lead to serious harm. Believe it or not, we chew our food with the force of 175 pounds per square inch. When we grind our teeth without the food, the force can be doubled, which will result in serious damage.
Those who suffer from teeth grinding are also more prone to suffer from other sleep disorders, including snoring, nocturnal awakenings, morning headaches and sleep apnea (irregular breathing during sleep). Although teeth grinding victims report feeling sleepy during the day, there does not seem to be a link with other sleep disorders such as insomnia, Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD).
Teeth Grinding SymptomsSince teeth grinding takes place during sleep, it is nearly impossible to tell when you are suffering from it. Usually it takes a sleeping partner to inform the sufferer of his or her problem, and that is only because the teeth grinding is keeping the partner awake!
If you or your sleeping partner have noticed symptoms of teeth grinding, you should discuss it with your dentist, who can usually confirm teeth grinding with an examination. Your dentist will look for several signs of teeth grinding, including:
Treatment of Teeth GrindingOne way to treat teeth grinding is learning how to relax your jaw muscles at night. You can accomplish this by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek, right near your earlobe. Since there is a link, though unproven, between teeth grinding and stress, it would also be a good idea for the patient to learn how to relax or practice relaxation techniques before bed.
Mouth guards or night guards are some of the best treatments. Mouth guards are made from impressions of teeth and formed of soft but durable plastic. They are designed to keep the teeth still in the mouth, and thus stop the harmful grinding. Resources Irish Health (2007). Teeth Grinding. Retrieved January 24, 2007, from Irishhealth Web site: http://www.irishhealth.com/?level=4&con=513. Mayo Clinic (2007). Bruxism/Teeth Grinding. Retrieved January 24, 2007, from Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bruxism/DS00337. Pohlhaus, Steven R. (2007). Bruxism (Teeth Grinding). Retrieved January 24, 2007, from Dr. Steven R. Pohlhaus Web site: http://www.stevedds.com/bruxism.htm. SaveYourSmile.com (2003). Prevent Tooth Grinding. Retrieved January 24, 2007, from Save Your Smile Web site: http://www.saveyoursmile.com/healtharticles/bruxism.html Talk About Sleep (2006). Grinding of Teeth (Bruxism) During Sleep Associated with Other Disorders. Retrieved January 24, 2007, from Talk About Sleep Web site: http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/sleep-disorders/archives/ WebMD (2007). Dental Health: Teeth Grinding (Bruxism). Retrieved January 24, 2007, from WebMD Web site: http://www.webmd.com/content/article/66/79634.htm.
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