You Could Be Grinding Your Teeth and Not Know It

Gritting or clenching our teeth when we’re angry or stressed isn’t uncommon. But the majority of people who grind their teeth don’t even realize they thy do it — because they do it in their sleep. Sometimes, our only indication of grinding our teeth might be that it wakes up our partner. But it can have serious implications for our dental health, even if we don't know we're doing it. Here's how to know if you're doing it, and what to do if you are.

What Are the Common Causes of Teeth Grinding?

People grind their teeth for a number of reasons. Stress is a common cause because stress can lead to clenching of the jaw.  A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine addressed tension and worry regarding teeth grinding. 

This condition, yes, teeth grinding is a condition, is called bruxism. It's become more common during the COVID-19 pandemic as people worry over jobs, health, family, and the rest of the world. But even ordinary stress can cause us to clench and grind at night as our subconscious minds work out our daily stress.

Having missing or broken teeth or an abnormal bite can also cause grinding and clenching, as can sleep apnea. But for most people, the cause of bruxism is anxiety or stress.  

Bruxism and Tooth Damage

When tooth grinding occurs, it can wear down the enamel that protects the teeth from decay and other harm. Because our jaw muscles are actually incredibly strong, grinding can also put a large amount of pressure on the teeth leading to cracks and breaks. Lost fillings, broken or chipped teeth and even teeth that required extraction due to damage have all been linked to bruxism. Grinding and clenching teeth might also lead to non-dental-related issues such as headaches and jaw pain. 

Common Treatments for Teeth Grinding

Fortunately, there are several ways to treat teeth grinding. If stress is the cause, well, obviously we allneed to do what we can to manage our stress. But no amount of us telling you to meditate is going to help so we'd encourage you to do what you can. Cutting back on caffeine may help, and avoiding alcohol is also a way that some say may help reduce bruxism. The key here is to work on your sleep and to eliminate the things that may be making your sleep less-than-ideal.

A dentist is the best first-line defense and the best place to start with diagnosis. Mention your concerns to a dentist and they will do an exam looking for wear patterns. Often, they might provide additional assistance, too, mouthguards are a common help. And your jaw will thank you for the needed break!  Healthcare providers can also help with referrals to counseling or physical therapy or, potentially, prescription medications for anxiety. Healthcare providers may also refer to dentists if you haven't already gone that route. 

A complete cessation of teeth grinding may not be possible, but the right treatments may reduce the chances of tooth damage and alleviate other symptoms such as headaches. There are over-the-counter and prescription options, both in the form of medication and dental appliances, that can make life more comfortable. Seeing a doctor or dentist to isolate the causes of bruxism is an excellent first step to making an informed treatment choice. And if the cause is stress, getting treatment for that stress can help more than you might imagine, and save your teeth in the process.

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