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

QCan bruxism be caused by a neurological disorder?

3 Answers

A

A American Dental Association answered

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 stress and anxiety.

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QWhat can I do at home to help reduce teeth grinding?

1 Answer

A
A American Dental Association answered
Before treating teeth grinding the cause must first be determined. You should speak with your dentist to help determine the cause. Teeth grinding can be caused by stress or anxiety, sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or teeth that are missing or crooked. The symptoms of teeth grinding include:

dull headaches

jaw soreness

teeth that are painful or loose

fractured teeth
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 stress is the cause you need to find a way to relax. Meditation, counseling and exercise can all help reduce stress and anxiety.
QCan anger management help prevent bruxism?

4 Answers

A

A American Dental Association answered

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can be difficult to cure. The first thing you need to do is pinpoint the cause of the teeth grinding, for instance, is it caused by stress or anxiety or is there an underlying dental or medical condition.

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 stress is the cause you need to find a way to relax. Meditation, counseling and exercise can all help reduce stress and anxiety.

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QHow can I find out if I grind my teeth?

2 Answers

A

A American Dental Association answered

Have you ever woken yourself up in the middle of the night with a loud clenching or grinding sound? That’s bruxism, more commonly known as teeth grinding.
Bruxism is a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth. Clenching means you tightly hold your top and bottom teeth together. Grinding is when you slide your teeth back and forth over each other. Teeth grinding can happen to anyone, at any age. 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 its related symptoms, as well as repair and help prevent further damage to your teeth.

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QHow can I stop grinding my teeth?

3 Answers

A

A American Dental Association answered

Teeth grinding usually happens at night. Watch as Dr. Maria Lopez Howell explains why custom mouth guards may be a solution to help control grinding.

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QHow can I care for a person with bruxism?

2 Answers

A
A American Dental Association answered
Before treating bruxism (teeth grinding) the cause must first be determined. You should speak with your dentist to help determine the cause. Teeth grinding can be caused by stress or anxiety, sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or teeth that are missing or crooked. The symptoms of teeth grinding include:

dull headaches

jaw soreness

teeth that are painful or loose

fractured teeth
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 stress is the cause you need to find a way to relax. Meditation, counseling and exercise can all help reduce stress and anxiety.
See All 2 Answers
QIs teeth grinding a problem only among adults?

2 Answers

A
A American Dental Association answered
Adults are not the only people who grind their teeth. Children can also suffer from teeth grinding, also called bruxism.

People who grind their teeth or clench their jaws may suffer from the following:

headache

sore jaw

frequent toothaches

facial pain

worn or cracked teeth or fillings

loose teeth

earache

insomnia

If you think your child is grinding his teeth, talk to his dentist. The dentist will be able to diagnose bruxism by looking for unusual wear spots on the teeth and assessing related symptoms.
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