Is Bruxism a Problem?
Clenching the teeth and jaw is something that we all do on a given day, especially a stressful day. However, grinding the teeth and jaw unconsciously and persistently is not common and can lead to more serious health problems. The unconscious and consistent grinding of the teeth is a medical condition called bruxism. More serious issues that may be caused by bruxism include tension headaches, severe jaw pain, and potentially severe damage to the teeth. If you believe you may be experiencing teeth grinding, it may be worth contacting your dental provider. You should know you are not alone, and an estimated 8% of adults in the United States grind their teeth regularly. Below is more information for you on bruxism, including tips on how to identify when the excessive grinding of your teeth has become a problem.
What Causes Bruxism?
The exact causes of bruxism are still unknown. The grinding of teeth and clenching of the jaw has been linked to both psychological factors including stress, anxiety, anger, frustration, or tension as well as physical factors, including alcohol or caffeine consumption, or cigarette smoking. Due to the number of potential causes, determining which cause may be the one causing your teeth grinding may be difficult to pin down. Further, the number of causes also makes finding a treatment difficult. If you suspect you are experiencing bruxism, you may want to start by assessing the amount of stress in your life. Additionally, some other techniques you can try include stretching your shoulders, neck, and jaw before bed, avoiding stimulating substances in the evening like coffee, and practicing good sleep habits.
When is Bruxism a Problem?
For many patients, bruxism may be a short-term habit that will go away on its own without causing major problems. With more severe cases, bruxism can lead to more serious damage, including:
- Damage to the teeth due to the teeth being worn down
- Weakening of tooth enamel
- Severe face or jaw pain
- Tension headaches
- Ear pain that feels like an earache
Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism
Most patients with bruxism don’t even know they grind their teeth. In fact, many people don’t notice they have bruxism until they co-sleep with someone who points it out. If you suspect that you may grind your teeth, there are some signs and symptoms you can look out for, including:
- Headaches
- Tenderness, pain, fatigue, and/or hypersensitivity of the jaw
- Clicking of jaw joint
- Earaches
- Excessive sensitivity of the teeth
If you have recently noticed any of the listed signs or symptoms of bruxism, it is recommended you see a dentist to evaluate the severity of your potential grinding problem. Your dental provider will want to evaluate any possible damage the grinding has caused to your teeth and jaw and assess areas of tenderness. It is possible your provider may want to monitor how your teeth and jaw change over the course of a few visits to determine if your bruxism has become a problem and needs further treatment.