Teeth Grinding

Occasional grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw is normal and unlikely to have any impact on your teeth. However, when teeth grinding becomes a regular habit, it turns into a condition called bruxism and can lead to damage to your jaw and teeth.

Do You Suffer from Teeth Grinding?

There are numerous causes of jaw grinding, including stress, abnormal bite, crooked teeth, sleep apnea, and some types of medication or drugs. Many people are unaware that they grind their teeth, as it happens while they sleep. If you suffer from unexplained headaches, jaw pain, or worn-down teeth, ask your dentist to check you for signs of teeth grinding.

Treatment Options for Teeth Grinding

To protect your teeth from wearing down and to avoid a condition like temporomandibular joint disorder, your dentist may fit you with a mouth guard or mouth splints.

If grinding is due to stress, your dentist may advise you on additional solutions to reduce stress, such as counseling, exercise, or muscle relaxant medication. It may also benefit you to make changes to your lifestyle. For instance, your dentist may recommend you give up smoking, drink less alcohol, or cut down on certain foods, particularly ones containing caffeine.

Finally, you can train yourself to avoid teeth grinding with the actions you take during your waking hours. For instance, you should avoid chewing anything other than food (including gum) and relax if you find yourself clenching your jaw.