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Oral Health
Bruxism - Teeth Grinding
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About 15% of people have a habit of grinding their teeth or clenching their jaws, a condition called bruxism. Most people do it in their sleep, so it often goes undetected until a family member hears the grinding sound or a dentist notices symptoms. If diagnosed early enough, bruxims can be treated before it causes damage to the teeth.
In some cases, grinding occurs because the top and bottom teeth are not aligned properly. It may be a response to pain, such as an earache, or the result of a sleep disorder. Most often, bruxism is related to stress. Alcohol and caffeine intake can aggravate the condition, causing more severe grinding or clenching.
In many cases, bruxism doesn't cause any damage, but if the grinding is severe enough, it can:
● Wear down tooth enamel
● Chip teeth
● Increase temperature sensitivity
● Erode gums and supporting bones
● Break fillings or other dental work
● Worsen temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
● Result in cosmetic damage
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