Most people know that clenching or grinding their teeth is not good for the integrity of their teeth, nor does it feel good to their jaw muscles. Unfortunately, many patients suffer from bruxism, which is the unconscious clenching and/or grinding that a lot of people do in their sleep. There are a number of factors that can contribute to bruxism, and determining the cause will greatly improve your chance of successful treatment.

Is bruxism a problem?

Bruxism can have a detrimental impact on your oral health and can also lead to ongoing pain in the jaw, ears, neck, and head. Where oral health is concerned, the extreme pressure from bruxism can lead to extensive wear on the teeth, chips and fractures in the teeth, gum recession, and even bone and tooth loss.

When extreme pressure is continually applied to the teeth, the gum tissue becomes inflamed and can begin to pull away from the surface of the teeth, exposing the roots. Exposed roots can be very sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages, making it uncomfortable to eat and drink like normal. The roots are also very susceptible to decay, which can negatively impact bone health. When the jawbone becomes compromised, the structural integrity of your smile is at risk. If bone loss occurs, tooth loss is inevitable, and this cycle creates a domino effect of further bone and tooth loss. Teeth need bone support, and without teeth, the bone structure begins to deteriorate.

What causes bruxism?

While the exact cause of bruxism is unclear, a number of factors can contribute to the severity of each case. Sleep disorders like snoring, sleep apnea, and even sleep talking can lead to excessive grinding, but there are sleep appliances designed specifically to address snoring that your dentist can have made for you. Your dentist may recommend a sleep study for an accurate diagnosis to create a treatment plan.

Daily life can be filled with stress and anxiety, which can cause patients to clench or grind during the day. For this, your dentist may advise a day guard to combat the effects of bruxism on your teeth. In a neutral position, your jaw should be slightly open so that your lips are closed, but your teeth are not touching. The only time your teeth should touch is while speaking or eating, so if you catch yourself clenching your teeth during the day, try to relax your jaw and bring it back to neutral.

If you find that you are stressed or anxious before bed, a warm bath or quiet walk can help the body relax and prepare for sleep. When your body is relaxed, your jaw muscles should be as well!

Other contributing factors are some lifestyle habits. Patients may be at higher risk of bruxism when they consume alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco products.

If you suspect that you are clenching or grinding your teeth in your sleep, notify your dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to help diagnose the problem and begin treatment or send you to a specialist if necessary.

Related Article: Identify Known Bruxism Causes