Do you grind and clench your teeth? Most of us do from time to time and this won’t generally do any real harm. It is a different story if you begin to grind and clench a lot, as this is a condition called bruxism and it can have a hugely detrimental effect on your dental health. Your teeth may become badly damaged and it can cause other oral health problems.
You May Be Unaware You Clench and Grind
One of the problems with this habit is that quite often people are unaware they have bruxism. It is a nocturnal habit that can be due to several different reasons. Some people will develop bruxism because their teeth do not bite together correctly. Others have missing teeth or their teeth will be quite crooked. Bruxism has also been linked to a sleep disorder called sleep apnoea. Often bruxism can be caused by stress and anxiety.
Realising You Have Bruxism
Some people will learn they have this condition when their sleeping partner complains about the noise they make during sleep. Others may notice they wake up with an aching jaw, persistent headaches or aching teeth. Teeth can even begin to look shorter than before as they become worn down. If you suspect you have bruxism, make an appointment to see your dentist as they can examine your mouth for any signs of clenching and grinding.
Effects of Bruxism on Your Dental Heath
Teeth grinding and clenching will wear down and chip your teeth. This will make them look shorter than before and also increases the risk of tooth decay. In addition, the pressure of tooth grinding affects the gums and may lead to gum recession. In the worst case, the stresses of bruxism will crack or break teeth and could even lead to tooth loss. The effects don’t stop there as bruxism also affects your jaw joints and may cause a condition called TMD (temporomandibular disorder). The stresses of tooth grinding can lead to these joints becoming inflamed and it might become painful to open or move your mouth. TMD can cause chronic headaches and facial pain so it is important to get treatment form bruxism as soon as you can.
Ways to Treat Tooth Grinding and Clenching
Your dentist can provide you with a custom-made night guard or splint which will protect your teeth while you sleep. These are designed to be as comfortable as possible, but some people find it helpful to wear them for a few hours each night, gradually building up the time until they are accustomed to wearing it for the entire night.
There are also various things you can do to help reduce tooth grinding and clenching. If you suspect the habit might be caused by stress then it is worth taking action to reduce your stress levels, if possible. It can be helpful to cut down on foods containing caffeine and which might disrupt your sleep patterns, and to avoid alcohol. Avoid chewing gum as this action can train your facial muscles to tense up. If you feel yourself beginning to clench, make an active effort to force your facial muscles to relax.
Yours in oral health,
