Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
If you notice that your teeth look worn or fractured, if you have unexplained facial pain, or headaches, you may have bruxism. This is an unconscious habit of grinding or clenching your teeth. Also common is sleep bruxism, where a sleeper grinds his teeth. While mild cases may not need any treatment, more severe cases may be treated with a mouth guard or splint. Sometimes reducing stress or managing stress can help. The condition is more common in children, and they often grow out of it by their teens.
Recently Answered
- Q How can correcting a bad bite help treat bruxism (tooth grinding)?
-
An abnormal or bad bite, one in which teeth do not fit well together, may lead to grinding. Treatment may involve reducing the "high spots" on one or more teeth. For serious cases, your dentist may suggest reshaping or reconstructing the biting... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How do medications treat teeth grinding (bruxism)?
-
One medication that may be able to help with bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a muscle relaxant before bedtime. If stress or anxiety is the cause of this problem, muscle relaxants can help you relax. You should first consult with your dentist to determine... Full Answer
3 Answers
A
- Q Can behavior therapy help treat bruxism?
-
Modifying behavior can help in preventing or treating bruxism. Bruxism or teeth grinding is often the result of stress or anxiety. If stress is the cause you need to find a way to relax. Meditation, counseling and exercise can all help reduce stress... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q Can relaxation techniques help treat bruxism?
-
Relaxation techniques such as meditation, counseling or exercise, can all help with bruxism or teeth grinding. That's because bruxism can be caused by stress or anxiety, which benefits from relaxation. However, there are several other causes such as... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q Can muscle relaxers help treat bruxism?
-
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, often occurs during sleep. In some cases, your dentist or physician may recommend taking a muscle relaxant before bedtime. This can help to relax the jaw, as well as ease any stress or anxiety, which is a common cause of... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q What happens during a dental exam for bruxism?
-
During a dental exam, your dentist will check for bruxism by looking for unusual wear spots on your teeth and assessing related symptoms. Regular dental checkups are important to find damage in the early stages. Your dentist will be able to help you... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q What should I do if I grind my teeth while sleeping?
-
During sleep is when bruxism, or teeth grinding, commonly occurs. Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep. In some cases, your dentist or physician may recommend taking a muscle relaxant before bedtime. If... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q Can bruxism be caused by congenital problems?
-
The causes of bruxism are not known but many believe that stress, sleep disorders and an abnormal bite all play a role. If you suspect you are grinding your teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist can help you manage bruxism and... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q Can bruxism be caused by a neurological disorder?
-
Stress, anxiety and sleep disorders are all personality causes of bruxism, or teeth grinding. Bruxism commonly occurs during sleep. If stress is the cause you need to find a way to relax. Meditation, counseling and exercise can all help reduce... Full Answer
3 Answers
A
- Q Can personality factors affect bruxism?
-
Personality can certainly affect bruxism, or teeth grinding. In fact, stress and anxiety can commonly cause this problem. If stress is the cause you need to find a way to relax. Meditation, counseling and exercise can all help reduce stress and anxiety. Full Answer
2 Answers
A
