If stress seems to be a major cause of bruxism (grinding or clenching the teeth), it may be helpful to find ways to relax, such as listening to music, reading a book, taking a walk or enjoying a warm bath. Applying a warm, wet washcloth to the side of the face may help relax muscles that have become sore from clenching. If you have difficulty handling stress, counseling may point to effective ways of dealing with stressful situations.
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
-
1 AnswerA
American Dental Association answeredAn 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 surfaces with inlays or crowns. -
2 AnswersA
American Dental Association answeredSee All 2 Answers
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.
-
3 AnswersA
American Dental Association answeredSee All 3 Answers
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.
-
2 AnswersA
American Dental Association answeredSee All 2 AnswersAdults 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
-
5 AnswersA
American Dental Association answeredSee All 5 AnswersNot only does teeth grinding cause discomfort in the form of headaches, earaches, sore jaws and toothaches, it can also wear down your teeth, leading to broken or cracked teeth and/or loose fillings. That's why regular dental checkups are important to finding damage in the early stages.
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.