What is teeth grinding?
Teeth grinding is a condition whereby one excessively grinds or clenches their teeth. Typically grinding and clenching occur mostly when sleeping but some individuals may grind and clench during the day also. Teeth grinding is also referred to as bruxism.
What is the main cause of bruxism?
The exact cause of teeth grinding is not totally understood and there are numerous different theories; however, there is a link to breathing airway issues, such as the following:
- Sleep apnea
- Jaw posture positions
- Tooth position
- Dental work that has changed jaw position or tooth positions
- Abnormal bite
- Trauma
- Repetitive strain
- Lifestyle activities, as well as emotional and developmental issues
Who is at risk for teeth grinding?
Anyone that has teeth can potentially grind their teeth. Anyone from small toddlers to the elderly and everyone in between can grind their teeth.
What are symptoms and signs of teeth grinding?
Symptoms of teeth grinding include:
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Jaw tenderness
- Shortened teeth
- Gum recession
- Notches or indentations on the gum line of teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Cracked and broken teeth
- Temporomandibular joint syndrome
QUESTION
What causes tooth decay? See AnswerHow do I stop grinding my teeth at night?
A sleep study is recommended to rule out an airway issue because grinding occurs mostly at night while sleeping.
- If a poor airway is a contributing factor then treatment can be offered for the airway first and sometimes the teeth grinding will cease.
- Every situation of teeth grinding is managed uniquely, but often a mouth guard fitted by a dentist is helpful. The mouth guard is worn when sleeping to protect the teeth from grinding.
- Dietary changes, postural modifications, emotional therapy, medications, injections, tooth adjustments and dental work, orthodontics, and surgery are various treatments used.
What is the prognosis for teeth grinding?
The prognosis for teeth grinding can be very good, especially if the underlying cause can be determined. If it cannot, then at least wearing a properly fitting mouth guard can protect the teeth from further damage and often lessen the effects on the bone, muscle, and tissues.
Babies and toddlers grinding their teeth should always have an airway evaluation.
What happens if bruxism is not treated?
Teeth grinding can create numerous problems, such as the following:
- Local muscular pain
- Headaches
- Loss of tooth structure
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
- Shortening of teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Cracked and broken teeth
- Damage to the bone structure of the jaw joint with the temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ syndrome)
- Even facial changes
Children that grind due to a breathing airway problem can have developmental issues.
Health News
More Health News »Medically Reviewed on 5/31/2023
Top Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Related Articles
Treatment for Whiter Teeth and a Brighter Smile
Want brighter, whiter teeth? Brushing up on these photo tips can help keep your teeth white. Discover which smile-whitening ideas will make your teeth shine their brightest and how to avoid future stains.
Dehydration in Adults & Children
Dehydration is the excessive loss of body water. There are a number of causes of dehydration including heat exposure, prolonged vigorous exercise, and some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of dehydration include headache, lightheadedness, constipation, and bad breath. Treatment for dehydration is to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are caps that encase the tooth with the purpose of restoring the size, shape, strength or appearance of the tooth. Crowns may be temporary or permanent and may be made out of materials such as porcelain, resin, or metal.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are replacement tooth roots that are anchored into the jawbone in order to secure and provide a foundation for replacement teeth. Implants look and feel like your own teeth, and they become permanent because they are designed to fuse with bone. Dental implants require the same care as reel teeth.
Dental Health Quiz
Take the Dental Health Quiz to test your IQ of oral hygiene, cavities, and common tongue and gum diseases. This quiz covers healthy mouths and teeth from brushing to flossing and everything in between check-ups!
Dentures
Dentures, removable replacements for missing teeth, come in two types: partial and complete dentures. Dental implants and bridges are suitable alternatives to dentures. Though it usually takes a while to get used to eating and speaking with new dentures, denture adhesives can improve the stability of the denture and provide a sense of security for the denture wearer.
Oral Health: 19 Habits That Cause Bad Teeth
Is chewing ice bad for your teeth? How do you avoid rotten teeth? Learn how chewing ice, eating snacks, teeth grinding and other habits can prevent you from attaining perfect teeth.
Mouth Guards
There are three types of mouth guards: stock mouth protectors, boil and bite mouth protectors, and custom-fitted mouth protectors. Custom mouth guards provide the most comfort and protection and offer the best fit; they are made from a hard, durable material that is molded to your teeth. They function to protect the teeth from sports injuries and grinding during sleeping (bruxism).
Root Canal
A root canal is a dental procedure that's used to save an infected tooth. Treatment involves removing the tooth's nerve and pulp and then cleaning and sealing the tooth. Symptoms and signs that indicate a root canal is needed include toothache, discoloration, swelling, tenderness, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, and a persistent pimple on the gums. Typically, a root canal is no more painful than having a filling placed.
Sleep
Several vital tasks carried out during sleep help maintain good health and enable people to function at their best. Sleep needs vary from individual to individual and change throughout your life. The National Institutes of Health recommends about 7-9 hours of sleep each night for older, school-aged children, teens, and most average adults; 10-12 for preschool-aged children; and 16-18 hours for newborns. There are two stages of sleep: 1) REM sleep (rapid-eye movement), and 2) NREM sleep (non-rapid-eye movement).
Stress
Stress is a normal part of life, but chronic or severe stress can be harmful to your health. Learn what happens in your body when you are stressed and how you can manage your response.
Beautiful Teeth and Gums
Explore tips for beautiful teeth and gums. Brighten your smile and keep healthy gums with these easy and simple tools.
Teeth Picture
The teeth are the hardest substances in the human body. See a picture of the Teeth and learn more about the health topic.
Tongue Problems
There are a variety of diseases and conditions that can cause tongue problems, discoloration, and soreness. Though most tongue problems are not serious. Conditions such as leukoplakia, oral thrush, and oral lichen planus may cause a white tongue while Kawasaki syndrome, scarlet fever, and geographic tongue may cause the tongue to appear red. A black hairy tongue may be caused by overgrown papillae on the tongue. Canker sores, smoking, and trauma may cause soreness of the tongue.
Toothache
A toothache is a pain on or around a tooth. It may have a variety of causes, including a cavity, abscess, or even sinusitis. Toothache symptoms include pain, headache, earache, bad taste in the mouth, and gum swelling. Dental X-rays and other tests performed by a dentist are used to diagnose the cause of a toothache. Toothache treatment depends on the underlying cause. Taking proper care of the teeth and gums can help prevent toothache.
Mouth Problems: TMJ, Canker Sores, Painful Gums and More
Sores, painful gums, bad breath -- what's going on in your mouth? Find out with our slideshow of the most common mouth problems. Learn about canker sores, cold sores, oral thrush, TMJ, and oral cancer. See what treatments for bad breath and other dental problems are available from your dentist.