Do you think you might be grinding your teeth and are looking for a dentist's opinion? Have you ever woken up with a stiff or sore jaw? Do you have a dull, throbbing headache upon waking in the morning?
If so, it may be time for you to visit your dentist. Both of these scenarios are telltale signs that you are grinding your teeth while you sleep. Medically termed bruxism, grinding your teeth can lead to serious oral health issues if not addressed by your dentist.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding, is a condition in which you grind or clench your teeth. This can happen unconsciously while you are awake, or during sleep. In cases of clenching and grinding while asleep, this condition is considered a sleep-related movement disorder. It has been shown that people who have sleep bruxism are more likely to have other sleep disorders, such as snoring or sleep apnea.
How to tell if you grind your teeth
If you suspect you are suffering from bruxism, there are several signs to look out for:
- Tight or sore jaw muscles
- Flattened teeth
- Cracked, chipped, or loose teeth
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- Dull, achy pain around your ears or temples
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, clicking or grinding when opening your mouth
If you are noticing any of these signs or symptoms, the easiest way to confirm whether you are grinding your teeth is by visiting your dentist for an official diagnosis.
Causes of teeth grinding
There are a variety of reasons why people grind their teeth. It is not entirely known what causes bruxism, but it is thought to be due to a combination of physical, psychological and genetic factors. These can include stress and anxiety, an abnormal bite, aggressive or competitive personality types, missing or crooked teeth, other family members with bruxism, or medical disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Bruxism may also be a side effect of some medications, such as certain antidepressants.
How can your dentist help?
Your dentist is the first person you should visit if you suspect that you are grinding your teeth. During a dental exam, your dentist will look for signs of bruxism such as excessive wear on your teeth, including cracks, chips or loose teeth. Some options to help you reduce or eliminate grinding include:
- Wearing a mouth guard to protect your teeth
- Wearing a splint, which keeps your teeth separated
- Wearing a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) to keep your jaw in a fixed position
- Avoid alcohol — alcohol has been shown to intensify grinding during sleep
- Cut back on or avoid foods that contain caffeine
- Use stress management techniques
- Behavioral therapy — training yourself to hold your jaw and mouth in a position to avoid grinding
The good news
The good news is that bruxism, or grinding your teeth, is a very treatable condition. If you suspect that you are grinding your teeth, visit your dentist as soon as possible to discuss your options for reducing or eliminating bruxism. The sooner you catch and treat this condition, the less pain and damage you will endure.
Request an appointment here: https://www.leedentistryoxford.com or call Lee Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at (662) 546-1143 for an appointment in our Oxford office.
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FAQs
While it can be challenging to notice the damage this habit causes yourself, a dentist can spot this issue immediately thanks to signs like headaches, tooth damage, and jaw pain. If you clench and grind your teeth due to sleep apnea, our professional team at Rockland Dental Specialists can help you.
How to check if you grind teeth? ›
If you suspect you are suffering from bruxism, there are several signs to look out for:
- Tight or sore jaw muscles.
- Flattened teeth.
- Cracked, chipped, or loose teeth.
- Tooth pain or sensitivity.
- Dull, achy pain around your ears or temples.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, clicking or grinding when opening your mouth.
Bruxism is a condition where a person grinds, clenches, or gnashes his or her teeth; it can occur when awake or asleep. Bruxism that happens while a person is awake is more common, but bruxism that happens during sleep has been studied more.
What is grinding in dentistry? ›
Bruxism (BRUK-siz-um) is a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. If you have bruxism, you may unconsciously clench your teeth when you're awake (awake bruxism) or clench or grind them during sleep (sleep bruxism). Sleep bruxism is considered a sleep-related movement disorder.
What do teeth look like when you grind them? ›
When your dental enamel wears away, it leaves your teeth looking shorter and darker in color. Not only does grinding your teeth wear down the dental enamel, but it exposes the dentin in your teeth which can then make your teeth take on a yellow or even orange color.
Why do dentists grind down teeth? ›
Medical Reasons: Patients with bite issues or jaw pain may be guided to a teeth shaving procedure to improve evenness. In certain instances, the procedure may be recommended for patients living with TMJ disorder to find some relief. Teeth shaving is also part of the preparation for adding a crown.
Can you grind your teeth and not know it? ›
You may not even realize you have it. Signs and symptoms vary, and can include: Abraded teeth. Chipped or cracked teeth.
Which teeth is for grinding? ›
The main purpose of the molars is to chew, grind and crush food, and they generally are not used to cut or tear food. Molars are able to place the highest amount of pressure onto food, which is why they are so successful at accomplishing their role.
Can teeth grinding be stopped? ›
Many kids outgrow bruxism without treatment, and many adults don't grind or clench their teeth badly enough to require therapy. However, if the problem is severe, options include certain dental approaches, therapies and medications to prevent more tooth damage and relieve jaw pain or discomfort.
What dental device for grinding teeth? ›
You can buy mouth guards at stores or get a custom-fitted mouth guard from a dentist. Your dentist may recommend wearing a mouth guard while you sleep to stop you from grinding your teeth or improve sleep apnea symptoms. There are different types of mouth guards. Your dentist can suggest the best one for you.
Three main types of restorative dentistry for bruxism include dental crowns, composite bonding, and porcelain veneers. A dental night guard can help prevent future instances of tooth damage caused by grinding.
What does it mean to grind your teeth? ›
to be very angry or frustrated about something, but feel that you cannot say or do anything about it. Lucy appeared to think this over for a moment and then walked away, grinding her teeth in frustration. Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers.
What is the process of grinding teeth? ›
What is the Teeth Grinding? Teeth grinding is a parafunctional activity of the teeth or jaws which eventually cause pain in the jaw muscles, hypersensitive teeth, tooth wear, dental restorations damage and headaches. But mostly the symptoms are not very evident and the patient is not aware of the condition.
What teeth are grinding and crushing? ›
Molars and Premolars are used for crushing and grinding.
Can I grind my teeth without knowing? ›
You may not even realize you have it. Signs and symptoms vary, and can include: Abraded teeth. Chipped or cracked teeth.
Can you fix your teeth if you grind them? ›
The resin material is applied and bonded to the tooth to fix imperfections. When used to treat teeth that are damaged by grinding, composite bonding can lengthen the tooth and protect the deeper layers of the tooth structure. However, composite bonding is most appropriate for repairing minor damage.
How painful is teeth grinding? ›
If you grind your teeth a lot, you might develop symptoms like: Headaches or facial pain, especially in the morning. Earaches. Sore jaw muscles.
How to not grind teeth in sleep? ›
Mouth exercises and massages can help reduce pain and relieve muscle tension caused by teeth grinding. Mouthguards, stress reduction, and medication may reduce or eliminate sleep disruptions and tooth damage. If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw at night, talk with your doctor or dentist.
