Teeth Clenching & Grinding Affect Dental Health
Do you have headaches, tired mouth or sore jaws when you wake up in the morning? Headaches and sore jaws are symptoms you may experience from grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw forward over and over again during sleep. It is a habit called bruxism. Bruxism can affect your dental health and cause the teeth to break or crack, and increase the chance of having gum problems. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching are common in adults and young children. Researchers do not know for sure what causes people to have this habit.
Some Signs & Symptoms of Bruxism
· dull headache (especially in the morning);
· sore, tired muscles in the jaw;
· tired mouth, facial pain;
· pain radiates to the ear;
· teeth are sensitive and beginning to wear down;
· teeth are chipped, cracked or starting to feel loose;
· inside of cheeks may be damaged from chewing or biting it;
· tongue may have indentations;
· temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort and pain;
· gum disease-constant teeth grinding can loosen teeth and increase the size of periodontal pockets and causes bone loss;
· gum recessions;
· sleep disorders
Possible Causes of Bruxism
*There is no definite cause of teeth grinding and clenching.
Adults:
· stress, anxiety or social withdrawal, depression;
· crooked teeth, missing teeth;
· abnormal bite;
· smoking, caffeine and alcohol consumption;
· sleep apnea and other sleep disorders;
· some medications or illegal drugs.
Young children:
· misalignment of teeth: when losing their baby teeth and their permanent teeth are coming in;
· nail biting;
· allergies or an irritation in the mouth.
*Most children outgrow the habit of bruxism by the time they are teens.
Dental Complications Caused by Teeth Grinding and Clenching
· frequent teeth grinding can remove some of the enamel from the teeth;
· teeth sensitivity;
· tooth decay;
· flatten teeth (occlusal surfaces), worn enamel;
· fracture teeth and fillings;
· temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD): chronic pain or soreness in the joint area, clicking or popping sounds when chewing and opening mouth.
What Can You Do?
*Talk to your dentist if you notice any of the following:
· jaw pain;
· headaches when you wake up;
· teeth sensitivity to hot or cold drinks or foods;
· chipped teeth or fillings.
Treatment
*Your dentist determines the cause of bruxism before recommending treatment options.
A number of things can contribute to teeth grinding and clenching. There has not been a lot of research done on how best to treat it. Your dentists may suggest some options:
· decrease or quit tobacco use;
· limit how much caffeine you eat or drink;
· seek counseling to identify when you are grinding your teeth while you are awake;
· develop ways to relax;
· look at the medications you take and talk to your physician about other options;
· occlusal guard (night guard):
- custom made, specially fitted plastic mouthpiece that fits over your top or bottom teeth;
- may help to reduce teeth grinding and clenching;
- may protect teeth and gums;
- may help to reduce jaw muscle pain;
- usually worn at bedtime.
Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA. She is experienced in all phases of dentistry. She treats patients of all ages. Teeth grinding and clenching is a common habit that affects people of all ages. Please call our office at 626-335-5114 to schedule for a dental checkup or visit us at www.annaleedds.com.