Teeth Grinding & Your Health

Teeth Grinding

Known by the clinical name of Bruxism, teeth grinding is the act of clenching one’s teeth.  Whether conscious or unconscious, during the day or while asleep, Bruxism is both a medical and dental problem, as its effects reach the teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures.  The most common form of teeth-grinding occurs during sleep, and medical professionals believe that it is as common as snoring.

There are many causes for teeth grinding, including stress and improperly-aligned teeth.  While not as common, Bruxism does occur in children.  Generally considered less of a problem for children, it is still important to have a dentist examine your child’s teeth to insure no irreparable damage is being done.   Normally, children outgrow Bruxism when their impermanent teeth are replaced by stronger and better-aligned adult teeth.

The same, however, cannot be said for adults, especially when teeth-grinding is the result of poorly aligned teeth.   Therefore, adults are more susceptible to permanent complications arising from Bruxism, and must be vigilant to protect against such an outcome.

Bruxism, on its own, is not a major health issue, but it can result in problems in the mouth, jaw, and face, including the loss of teeth, broken dentures, and a slew of other potentially painful difficulties.  If you suffer from Bruxism, it is imperative that you speak with a dentist to prevent or treat any of these problems.  If you think you might be suffering from Bruxism, or have had someone tell you that you grind your teeth in your sleep, don’t discount it as a minor problem; a simple visit to the dentist may prevent a lifetime of difficulties and pain.

Through a series of examinations, a dentist can determine whether or not you suffer from this condition, and, if so, its severity.  Once a diagnosis is made, a dentist can then discuss with you available treatment options.  Which course of treatment is correct is determined by the root-cause of the condition: If the dentist believes your Bruxism is the direct result of stress, he might make a referral to a psychiatrist or counselor, who could then provide you with behavioral therapies that can reduce or eliminate the habit.  If the condition is a direct result of improper alignment of the teeth, then the dentist may fit you for a customized mouth guard that, if worn during sleep, will protect your teeth and enamel from damage.

If your case of Bruxism is so severe, however, that you have begun to suffer jaw problems as a result, your dentist might then refer you to a medical doctor to address these symptoms.  Once these complications have been resolved, the dentist will then be able to perform any necessary treatment required to eliminate your teeth-grinding.