Teeth Grinding (and Clenching)

Teeth Grinding at Night

Teeth Grinding (or Bruxism) is a term that describes the grinding of teeth and is typically associated with the clenching of the jaw. We all probably experience it at some point in our lives. However, in the majority of people it is mild enough that it does not produce symptoms. This dysfunction usually occurs at night, and it is during this time that the majority of damage occurs. It is considered to be one of the most common sleep disorders.

A Bad Habit

Grinding of teeth during your sleep has been identified as a habit. It is thought that when people sleep, the subconscious process become active, when your brain’s higher control is inactive, resulting in the grinding habit (therefore you are unaware that this type of habit occurs). Sometimes this activity is rhythmic (grinding) and other times it is sustained (clenching). However, jaw clenching can become an unconscious neuromuscular daytime activity (I have actually seen people driving in rush hour clench their teeth). Most people are unaware of a bruxism habit, and only 5% go on to develop symptoms..

Common Symptoms of Teeth Grinding

Jaw pain and headaches, fracturing (referred to as occlusal trauma) and sensitivity (usually cold), tooth loos and gum recession, wearing/shortening of the edges of front teeth, warding/flattening down of the back teeth. While this habit usually occurs at night, some will notice that they are also doing this during the day.

Many Causes

While it is important to review the causes with your doctor, modfiying or eliminating the cause is not always possible. Some common causes include: stress and anxiety (most common), muscular trauma, depression, earaches and eating disorders, headaches and jaw pain (cyclical), insomnia/sleep disorders, incorrect bite, excessive caffeine, high blood alcohol levels, smoking, irregular work shifts, stressful professions, prescription medications, psychiatric conditions.