Teeth Grinding

Many people know how difficult it can be to cope with stress and anxiety. This situation leads many people to grind their teeth at night. This teeth-grinding problem is known as bruxism, and it can be painful sometimes. Other problems that can result in bruxism include misaligned teeth and an abnormal bite.

The good thing is that there are many techniques and methods to treat symptoms and prevent the pain due to teeth grinding.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is the condition in which you grind your teeth. It can happen when you are awake or asleep. According to a survey, this problem happens to about 13% of adults.

The symptoms of this problem include the following.

• Sounds of grinding teeth during sleep (these sounds are loud enough to wake up another person)
• Chipped, flattened, fractured, or loose teeth
• Sensitivity or pain in teeth
• Tightness in the jaw muscles
• Soreness or pain in the neck, jaw, or face
• Earache
• A dull headache in the temples

There can be various reasons for teeth grinding. Most typically, it is due to sleep disorders or anxiety. Other causes include tobacco, alcohol consumption, and heavy coffee consumption.

Many people grind their teeth due to anger or frustration. Statistics suggest that younger people are more prone to developing this disorder. It can also be a familial problem. Some medical disorders or treatments can also cause a person to grind their teeth.

In many cases, bruxism is associated with TMJ disorder or TMD. TMD involves problems with ligaments, muscles, discs, and bones that support your jaws. A dental professional will be able to tell if your problem is associated with TMD.

The duration of teeth grinding pain depends on the cause and severity of the root cause. If you have pain due to teeth grinding, you will have to discuss it with your dentist.

Combating this problem

The treatment plan for bruxism will depend on the specific reason for the disorder. Your dentist will determine what plan may be beneficial in your case. Most cases of bruxism do not require a treatment plan. However, if your symptoms are severe, your dentist may ask you to wear a mouth guard to prevent teeth in upper and lower jaws from coming in contact with each other. You can get a mouth guard of hard acrylic or soft materials depending on your preferences.

If you grind your teeth due to stress, you may consider mental health practices such as meditation, counseling, or other stress-relieving treatments. You will also need to keep in touch with your dentist for the treatment of your teeth and gums.

Can children have this habit?

Although the problem of bruxism in children fades away with age, you may still want to keep in touch with your dentist. According to a study, childhood teeth grinding issue may be due to allergies, nutritional deficiencies, and psychological factors such as stress and anxiety.

Children who grind their teeth may benefit from encouragement to relax and bring a change in their behavior. You may want to discuss these issues with your dentist or family doctor.