OnCorp Direct Blog | Teeth Grinding Symptoms, Causes and Cures

Teeth Grinding Symptoms, Causes and Cures

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) is considered a medical and a dental problem, it affects both the teeth and all of the structure near it. Considering the human jaw can exert approximately 400 pounds of force, Bruxism should not be ignored. Bruxing can exert as ten times the force registered during normal chewing - http://angelcaredental.com/docs/grinding.pdf

Bruxism - the habit of grinding the teeth, esp unconsciously
- Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition.

"Bruxism is also considered to be a sleep-related disorder in the same family as sleepwalking and restless body movements. It occurs during stage 2 sleep, the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage of sleep, and during the change from deeper to shallower levels of sleep. Bruxism therefore can also affect the nature of sleep while being affected by it. Bruxism also has an impact on mood and brain wave activity, and can raise anxiety and pulse rate." - http://knol.google.com/k/noshir-r-mehta/bruxism/D3iAfFNV/kRAr4Q#references

Original source: Rosetti L., Rosetti P, Conti P, de Araujo C: Association between Sleep Bruxism and Temporomandibular Disorders: A Polysomnographic Pilot Study. Cranio. Vol 26,No.1, 16-21 January 2008.

Some of the symptoms of teeth grinding include flattened, worn down teeth or enamel and chipped teeth. Most symptoms of bruxism are concentrated on the teeth, more than 50% of people who suffer from bruxism have sensitive teeth. Damages associated with bruxism are concentrated on the mouth area and pain often occurs in the jaw, the temporomandibular joints, or TMJs. Ear aches associated with bruxism occur due to the contraction of the jaw muscles and the associated involuntary and constant movement of the muscle connected to the ear. Pain in the facial muscles are common with people suffering from bruxism, considering the mouth and jaw muscle's proximately to other facial structures. Damaged cheek tissue can also become apparent as teeth grinding occurs during sleep. Often times bruxism or teeth clenching or grinding can go on without notice, involuntarily and unconsciously during sleep.

Stress takes shape in us in many different forms and is the primary cause of teeth grinding during sleep. If sleeping patterns are disrupted one can clench their teeth unconsciously during sleep. Grinding teeth during the day through frustration or anger can occur unconsciously or consciously. Referred to as malocclusion, the abnormal alignment of upper and lower teeth is a feasible cause of involuntary teeth grinding or Bruxism. For children in their growing stages, teeth grinding is a body's response to changes happening in the teeth and jaws. Bruxism (runs in families) approximately 25% of children experience bruxism, although they usually outgrow the condition by adolescence as upper and lower molars start to fit together and the structure of their teeth improve and take shape. Teeth grinding is also associated with competitive and highly determined personality types.

"Bruxism is common in children and adults of both sexes, affecting about 25-30% of children and roughly one in twenty adults. There is no significant difference between males and females." - http://knol.google.com/k/noshir-r-mehta/bruxism/D3iAfFNV/kRAr4Q#references

Original source: Glaros, A. G: Bruxism. Chapter 10 : 127 -137: In Behavioral Dentistry . EDs. Mostofsky D.I., Forgione A.G., Giddon D. B. Publisher Blackwell Munksgaard.

"Central nervous system related nerve transmissions can be affected by medications and can lead to bruxism. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) prescribed for depression have been known to be associated with several movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia and parkinsonism. Patients taking fluoxetine or sertraline for depression often develop bruxism within the first few weeks of taking the new medications. In addition, children and adults who are on medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) also report a higher incidence of tooth grinding. Certain herbal remedies cause an increase in nervousness and heighten the anxiety response, which can lead to nighttime grinding. Food allergies, such as with milk and dairy products, have also been suggested as additional causes of tooth grinding. Alcohol consumption has also been shown to increase bruxism. In fact, the greater the consumption of alcohol, the higher the incidence of bruxism. For this reason, a full list of herbal medications, vitamins, minerals, food allergies, and any medications you are on should be disclosed to your dentist or physician if you are concerned that you have bruxism." - http://knol.google.com/k/noshir-r-mehta/bruxism/D3iAfFNV/kRAr4Q#references

Original source - Lebbezoo,F., van Denderen,R. Verheij J and Naeije M : Reports of SSRI associated bruxism in the family physician's office. J Orofacial Pain. 15, 340 -346: 2001

Natural therapies including exercises and herbal supplementation can give an alternative remedy to grinding teeth. Sometimes, just changing the position you sleep in can reduce teeth grinding. But if problems persist there are a number of options to consider:

Don't eat or drink for least an hour before going to bed.
Avoid drinking alcohol in the evening, alcohol has been found to aggravate bruxism.
Relax and settle down before going to bed. Incorporate breathing and relaxation exercises before going to bed.

Daytime (clenching) bruxing is easier to manage because you can make yourself more aware of it. When you notice yourself clenching or grinding your teeth, relax the jaw with your mouth closed and your teeth apart.

There are a number of treatment options available to alleviate bruxism and stop teeth grinding. Medication offers relief, however it can harm your internal balance, slow down your metabolism and complicate liver function. A plastic mouth guard can be utilized to reduce the damage from unconscious grinding during sleep while easing joint pain. However some increase clenching and grinding stressing the muscles of the mouth clenching even more attempting to get the jaw and teeth in the right position. It is important to take prescribed drugs or be fitted for a mouth guard by a trained professional.