Teeth Grinding

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Teeth grinding is a habit that is common to many people. The medical term, however, is Bruxism — which refers to teeth grinding. Bruxism is not a severe medical condition, but the continuous grinding of your teeth can cause the teeth to wear and become damaged. Therefore it could lead to more serious oral health complications.

What is the Cause of Teeth Grinding?

There are two most common causes of teeth grinding, which are stress and anxiety. Some people may discover that they grind their teeth mostly during sleep — in such a case, the reason could be a missing or crooked tooth. Having an abnormal bite is another possible cause of bruxism, as well as sleep apnea (a sleep disorder).

How Do You Know If You Grind Your Teeth?

Most cases of teeth grinding occur during sleep, making it difficult for you to be aware of this condition. But if you experience frequent headaches and a painful jaw when you wake up from sleep, then you might have bruxism — Your dentist can help you confirm the presence of this dental condition. Your spouse or close family member can also help you confirm if you grind your teeth at night.

Can Teeth Grinding Be Harmful?

A simple case of occasional teeth grinding can become chronic over time if not controlled. Some damages that can be caused by chronic teeth grinding include the fracturing and loosening of the teeth — your teeth are continuously being weakened and worn down into stumps which could result eventually to tooth loss. Your jaws are also affected in cases of chronic teeth grinding. Bruxism could cause TMD(Temporomandibular disorders) /TMJ(temporomandibular joint) or worsen these disorder in cases where bruxism is present. Where tooth loss occurs as a result of bruxism, dental treatments such as the bridges, crowns, root canals, implants, or dentures might be needed to resolve the damage or loss of your tooth.

How Can You Stop Teeth Grinding?

To help you control the continuous grinding of your teeth, your dentist can fit a mouth guard; this will help keep your teeth from grinding, especially during sleep. If you need an experienced dentist, you can contact the Harley Street Dentist by visiting Harley Street, London or call us on 02071830903 to book an appointment.

If a dental examination concludes that the cause of your disorder is stress or anxiety, your dentist can prescribe some stress-alleviating treatments, such as attending counselling on stress management or paying a visit to a physical therapist. Alternative options could also include taking up an exercise programme or having muscle relaxants prescribed for you.

In cases where sleep apnea is the primary cause of your bruxism, treating that disorder might be the best option to resolve the grinding, and prevent the loss of your teeth.

What other ways can one-stop teeth grinding

Here are some tips from our dental care providers:

• Avoid food and drinks that contain caffeine; this could include cola drinks, chocolate and coffee. If you must take any of this food or drinks, take them only in a small amount.
• Keep away from alcohol, as it could also increase the grinding.
• Avoid biting or chewing on objects that are not food; this includes pens, pencils and rubber erasers and any other object.
• Avoid chewing gum. Your jaw will become used to the clenching as you continuously chew gum, therefore increasing the chances of grinding your teeth while asleep.
• Try to train yourself to notice whenever you grind or clench your teeth — If you notice you clench your teeth, you can control the habit by putting the tip of your tongue between your teeth, and keeping it in that position. This exercise will help the muscles of your jaw to relax, and it can help break the clenching habit.
• Press a warm towel against your cheek next to your earlobe; this should be done before you go to bed at night — it will help keep your jaws relaxed while you sleep.

Can Teeth Grinding Occur in Children?

Teeth grinding is common to an estimated 15% – 33% of children. There are two periods when teeth grinding habit is most common in children; during the period when they get their baby teeth, and when their permanent teeth emerge. As children pass these two stages of teeth development, most of them will stop grinding their teeth.

Causes of teeth grinding in Children

Teeth grinding occurs mostly while the child is asleep. There is no proven cause for child’s teeth grinding, but guesses included the presence of misaligned teeth, or maybe an irregular contact between the upper and the lower teeth. Some other considerations include illnesses, stress and anxiety, or medical conditions such as nutritional deficiencies or allergies.

Teeth grinding in babies are less serious, and in the majority of cases, it causes no lasting damage to the baby’s tooth or gum; although headaches, a sore jaw, fracturing and wear of the teeth, and TMD(Temporomandibular disorders) are still possible.

How Can You Control Teeth Grinding In Your Child?

• Ensure you do not heighten your child’s stress or anxiety, particularly before your child goes to bed.
• Practice giving your child a massage, or schedule stretching exercise to keep the muscles relaxed.
• Include plenty of water in your child’s diet to ensure your child remains hydrated throughout the day.
• Contact your dentist, and have him/her recommend treatments and helpful tips to control your child’s teeth grinding.
• For older children, you might need to have a temporary crown or a night guard fitted in their teeth to stop the grinding.

Loss of teeth can be controlled if bruxism is diagnosed early, and steps are taken to manage and eliminate the condition. Contact the Harley Street dentist by visiting us on Harley Street, London or call us on 02071830903 to book an appointment today.