Tooth grinding

Have you ever been told that you grind your teeth? Tooth grinding [bruxism] is an oral habit which involves clenching and grinding of the teeth. It is not uncommon in our society. Approximately 50% to 96% of adults experience bruxism. 15% of children acquire this behavior. Most often, this habit goes by unnoticed by the person. Bruxism can occur during the day or night.

What causes tooth grinding bruxism ?

This condition has no specific cause, but is believed to be a combination of many factors, such as :

Emotional stress
Personalities characterized as aggressive, controlling, precise, or who have time urgency and achievement compulsion tend to develop bruxism
Malocclusion [teeth that are not aligned properly
Children whose parents brux are more likely to develop this habit than children whose parents do not brux

Signs of tooth grinding

Tooth wear, fractures of the teeth and fillings, especially on the front teeth
Grinding noise noticed by a sleeping partner
Facial muscle pain and fatigue
Locking, cracking, and clicking of the jaws
Headaches
Tooth mobility
Sensitive teeth

Treatment of tooth grinding

Your oral health professional, your dental hygienist or dentist can make you aware of the habit and suggest behavioral therapies to stop the bruxism
Stress reduction and coping techniques can be initiated to reduce the emotional stress you may be experiencing
A removable intra-oral appliance can be made for you. The mouthguard protects the teeth from the forces of clenching or grinding the teeth together. A mouthguard or nightguard is more practical for treating the night bruxer than for those who have daytime clenching and grinding habits

mouth night guard

If you think you may be experiencing this oral problem, see your oral health professional