Grinding and Clenching your Teeth

The correct term for clenching and grinding teeth is bruxism, and it is a habit that can affect 8-10% of the population. Some people grind their teeth only while sleeping. This is called “nocturnal bruxism” or “sleep-related bruxism.” Others grind or clench their teeth during the daytime as well.

Bruxism can have a variety of causes. Some experts view bruxism as nothing more than a habit. It also can be a result of the body’s reaction when the teeth do not line up or come together properly, or finally it may be related to stress or anxiety.

People with severe bruxism can break dental fillings or damage their teeth. Rubbing the teeth together can cause the outer layers of enamel to wear away, exposing dentine. This can result in tooth sensitivity. Severe bruxism has also been blamed for:

• Some cases of jaw dysfunction, also called temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
• Headaches when you wake up in the morning
• Unexplained facial pain

The treatment of bruxism can vary depending on the cause. The usual treatment is a bite guard. This is something you can wear at night which will protect the teeth and relieve the pressure on the jaw. It cannot cure bruxism completely but the idea is to break the habit until eventually the use of a bite guard can be reduced until it is not worn at all.

If you suffer from any of these symptoms it is important to see your dentist, who can determine the problem and provide the best treatment.