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Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can occur unconsciously during the day or at night while you sleep.
This condition might seem harmless, but if left untreated, it can lead to severe dental and health issues.
Bruxism can wear down tooth enamel, loosen dental implants and damage bridges and crowns. On top of that, constant grinding can cause jaw pain, headaches, and even earaches!
So let’s get into the signs and symptoms of teeth grinding and what you can do to prevent it from causing serious damage.
Table of Contents
- Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism
- Causes of Tooth Grinding
- How to Manage Tooth Grinding and Clenching
- AZ Max Oral Surgery: Your Partners in Oral Health
Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism
It’s not always obvious if you’re a tooth grinder since we do it unconsciously and/or in our sleep. So if you aren’t sure if you grind your teeth, here are some tell-tale signs:
- Jaw pain and tension
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
- Tooth sensitivity
- Ear pain not caused by ear issues
- Facial muscle fatigue
- Fractured or loose teeth
If you have a bed partner, they may also be able to tell if you are grinding your teeth at night by the sound of it. The sound is unmistakable and can be quite loud.
| Did you know? Awake bruxism is teeth grinding or clenching during the day, often due to stress or tension, and can be managed by consciously relaxing the jaw. Sleep bruxism occurs at night, making it harder to control and often requiring night guards. Both types can cause jaw pain and worn teeth, so understanding when they happen is key for effective management. |
Causes of Tooth Grinding
For the most part, bruxism is caused by stress and anxiety. It’s how our body copes with tension and can often occur during times of increased stress or when dealing with a major life event. Other potential causes include:
- Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or snoring
- Misaligned teeth or bite
- Certain medications, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics
- Lifestyle factors like excessive caffeine intake, smoking, or alcohol use
How to Manage Tooth Grinding and Clenching
The first step in treating bruxism is identifying it. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned or your partner has noticed you grinding your teeth, make an appointment with your dentist.
They will examine your teeth and jaw for signs of bruxism. From there, they may recommend a few different treatment options:
- Occlusal mouth guard (night guard): These can help protect your teeth from further damage while also reducing tension in the jaw muscles. This won’t stop teeth grinding, but it will reduce the wear and tear grinding has on your teeth.
- Dental corrections: Depending on the cause of your bruxism, your dentist may suggest orthodontic treatments or adjustments to existing dental work.
- Oral surgery: In extreme cases of misalignment, orthodontics and corrective jaw surgery may be necessary to correct the issue.
If severe bruxism is left untreated for too long, it can cause inflammation of the TM joint resulting in TMJD (temporomandibular joint disorder).
This joint is responsible for the movement of your jaw, and if it becomes inflamed, can cause face, neck and shoulder pain. In severe cases, TMJ arthroscopy or arthrocentesis may be recommended to alleviate the pain and restore proper jaw function.
Prevention Tips
Here are some simple tips that can help prevent or reduce teeth grinding and clenching:
- Reduce stress and anxiety. Easier said than done, right? If you aren’t sure what is causing the stress, take note of the times you feel yourself clenching, grinding or gnashing your teeth together. Are you doing a certain activity or in a specific situation? Identifying triggers can help you find ways to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and other substances that can increase tension in the body.
- Practice good sleep hygiene by establishing a regular bedtime routine and creating a comfortable sleep environment.
- If your partner notices you gasping for air or snoring heavily during sleep, you may want to get checked for obstructive sleep apnea.
- Be mindful of your jaw position throughout the day and try to keep it relaxed by keeping your lips together and teeth slightly apart.
- Be mindful of any changes in your jaw or teeth alignment and address them promptly with your dentist.
- Wear a mouth guard at night if recommended by your dentist.
| A note about bruxism and dental implants: If you are considering dental implants and have a history of bruxism, it’s important to discuss this with your oral surgeon. The pressure from clenching and grinding can put excessive force on the implants, causing them to fail. |
AZ Max Oral Surgery: Your Partners in Oral Health
If you are a longtime teeth grinder or clencher and are struggling with TMJ pain, consult with one of our oral surgeons. We can help you alleviate your pain, and prevent further damage to your teeth and jaw.
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe or Show Low, call (480) 830-5866 or complete the online inquiry form.
