Bruxism

Bruxism is the medical term for the grinding or clenching of teeth. Whilst most people tend to grind or clench their teeth occasionally, this doesn't usually cause any problems. However when bruxism occurs on a regular basis this can lead to damaged teeth and a range of other oral health issues. People who grind or clench are known as bruxers and in addition to grinding their teeth, many bruxers also have a tendancy to chew the inside of their cheek, bite their fingernails and ends of pencils. Many sufferers don't realise they have bruxism, as the problem behaviours usually occur in their sleep, and this can lead to the problem going undiagnosed. Bruxism can cause several problems with dental health such as sensitive teeth caused by clenching often, jaw pain, headaches and tense muscles. It's thought that around one in three people suffer from bruxism however there is a higher rate of prevalence in women.

Signs Of Bruxism

Due to the fact that most people grind and cleanch while asleep it can be difficult to tell if you have bruxism. Fortunately, there's a number of tell tale signs which can indicate if a person is suffering from bruxism. For instance, their teeth may appear worn down and their tips may look flat. Some sufferers teeth become so worn that the enamel comes off which exposes the inside of the tooth which can cause excessive sensitivity. Many sufferers report pain in their jaw which can produce popping and clicking noises. Another key indicator of bruxism can be indentation on the tongue which result from excessive clenching. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms or suspect you might be grinding your teeth at night then it's important to talk to your dentist.

What can I do about it?

It's always important to have regular check ups with your dentist even if you seem problem-free. As your dentist checks your teeth they should be able to spot the physical signs of bruxism early. Depending on how severe the signs are they may choose to observe the condition before recommending and commencing treatment. If your dentist decides treatment is the right option then you'll usually be fitted with a special mouth guard which will protect your teeth from grinding whilst you sleep. You may also be prescribed therapy which will help you change your behaviours by learning how to properly rest your tongue and teeth properly. Stress can often be a cause of bruxism so if you're worried then ask your doctor or dentist about treatments to help reduce your stress levels. Popular treatments include counseling, regular exercise and muscle relaxants.

There's a number of tips which can help you avoid teeth grinding. For example certain foods have been shown to increase instances of teeth grinding so avoid drinks which contain caffeine like coffee or cola. Similarly research has shown that grinding behaviours tend to increase after consuming alcohol. It's important that you don't chew on stationary or anything else that isn't food. Chewing gum can be a major contributor to bruxism as it conditions your jaw muscles and they become more used to clenching. You can help train yourself out of clenching or grinding behaviour by simply placing your tongue between your teeth any time you notice a clench. This type of conditioning can help train the muscles in your jaw to relax.

Bruxism is quite common in children especially when their first baby teeth emerge and when their permanent teeth appear. Although the majority of children tend to lose this habit after the sets have come in fully, some children carry on grinding well into later life. Although the exact causes of bruxism in children are unknown, research suggests that in many cases it can be due to a problem with improperly aligned teeth or problems with contact between upper and lower teeth. You can help prevent bruxism in your child by following a few key steps. Firstly make sure to include plenty of water in your child's diet as dehydration can often be linked to grinding behaviours. It's also important to decrease your child's stress levels, particularly before they go to bed. You can also perform massage or stretching exercises to relax the surrounding muscles but most importantly ask your dentist to monitor the condition if your child has bruxism.