Individuals may not even be aware that they grind their teeth as part of what is known as bruxism. The bruxism condition and symptoms can range from mild to severe, with the causes being varied and having to be identified through dental screening.
Our clinic provides patients with an oral screening for signs of teeth grinding to ensure appropriate treatment is received for the cause of tooth grinding. This is done before symptoms develop further bruxism, orthodontic and health conditions.
Dentist – Dr. Swastik Satpathy, BDS
Doctor – Specializes in Bruxism treatment
Orthodontist, 10+ yrs. exp.
Innovative Smile Dental Clinic
WHAT IS TEETH GRINDING?
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is involuntary clenching, grinding and gnashing of the teeth that usually happens during sleep. Teeth grinding can be caused by stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, an abnormal bite, teeth that are missing or crooked.
TEETH GRINDING SYMPTOMS
Because you may have sleep bruxism and be unaware of it until complications develop, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of bruxism and to seek regular dental care.
Signs and symptoms of bruxism may include:
- Teeth grinding or clenching, which may be loud enough to wake up your sleep partner
- Teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped or loose
- Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of your tooth
- Increased tooth pain or sensitivity
- Tired or tight jaw muscles, or a locked jaw that won’t open or close completely
- Jaw, neck or face pain or soreness
TEETH GRINDING IS HARMFUL
In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in a fracturing, loosening, severe pain or loss of teeth. With chronic grinding your teeth may wear down where u may need bridges, crowns, root canals, implants, partial dentures, and even complete dentures in some cases.
WHY PEOPLE GRIND TEETH?
Although teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, it often occurs during sleep and is more likely caused by an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth. It can also be caused by a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea.
TREATMENT FOR TEETH GRINDING
The treatment of bruxism varies depending on its cause:
- Stress can cause teeth grinding. Your dentist or physician may recommend professional counseling, psychotherapy, biofeedback exercises or other strategies to help you relax.
- If your bruxism is related to tooth problems, your dentist probably will correct tooth alignment. He/She may use onlays or crowns to entirely reshape the biting surfaces of your teeth or may make a mouth guard or bite splint that fits your mouth and teeth.
- Bruxism can also develop as a side effect of antidepressant medicines. Consult your doctor.
MEDICATION
Medication isn’t usually used to treat teeth grinding. But non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, may help relieve any pain or swelling around your jaw caused by grinding.
In some cases, your GP may suggest taking a muscle relaxant before you go to bed to help relieve your symptoms.
If your teeth grinding is a side effect of taking antidepressant medication, your GP may suggest changing your medication. Never stop taking medication that’s been prescribed for you without consulting your GP first.
TEETH GRINDING MOUTH GUARDS
Mouth guards and splints even out the pressure across your jaw and create a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth to protect them from further damage. They can also reduce any grinding noises you make at night.
TEETH GRINDING IN CHILDREN
Children who grind their teeth tend to do so at two peak times — when their baby teeth emerge and when their permanent teeth come in. Most children lose the teeth grinding habit after these two sets of teeth have come in more fully. Most commonly, children grind their teeth during sleep rather than during waking hours.
Grinding of the baby teeth rarely results in problems. However, teeth grinding can cause jaw pain, headaches, wear on the teeth, and TMD. Consult a Pediatric dentist if your child’s teeth look worn or if your child complains of tooth sensitivity or develop pain.
DO WORMS CAUSE TEETH GRINDING?
Teeth grinding – A common symptom in kid, a possible link could be due to toxins the parasites release. … Anal itching – This is one of the symptoms parents often notice after teeth grinding that is a telltale sign of parasite infection.
