Teeth grinding, or Bruxism is the term for describing teeth grinding when you are not chewing. The teeth brush against each other with the forward, backward, or sideways movement of the jaw. In most cases, the person is not aware of the activity.
Teeth clenching happens when a person keeps their teeth against each other with clenched muscles without jaw movement. It is common to see people grinding or clenching their teeth during the daytime, but most cases of bruxism occur when the person is sleeping. Sleep-related bruxism is problematic because it is more difficult to manage. It is a common sleep disorder and considered unmindful neuromuscular activity.
Continually grinding the teeth degrades teeth structure and may cause them to become stunted, fractured, or blunted. This effect of clenching is a result of repeated pressure on the tissues, muscles, and the structures surrounding the jaw. Grinding the teeth against each other may cause:
The person may also experience an earache, partially because the temporomandibular joint structure is near the ear canal. Referral pain may also occur, where the person experiences pain in a different area from its origin. Other possible signs are depression, insomnia, anxiety, and eating disorders. The noise may also disturb people sleeping close by. In extreme cases, teeth grinding may damage the occlusal top of the teeth, especially the molars. This may aid temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome.
Although it is hard to pinpoint the primary cause of bruxism, multiple factors may contribute to the situation. Kids often grind their teeth after their first teeth erupt, and when developing permanent teeth. The act typically stops when their permanent teeth have fully developed.
Stress also contributes to clenching and grinding, especially when the person is experiencing anxiety, anger, or trying to concentrate. Studies have shown an increase in heart rate and brain activity before teeth grinding starts, which means the central nervous system is also a contributor. Missing or crooked teeth may also lead to teeth grinding, mostly caused by irritation. The side effects of some medications such as amphetamines, antipsychotics, and antidepressants may include teeth grinding. Bruxism may be a result of neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or Huntington’s disease.
Some experts believe teeth grinding may also be due to an abnormal bite when the teeth do not align correctly when closing the jaw. An occlusal discrepancy is a term to describe teeth misalignment. However, this theory has no scientific backing. Other contributing factors are alcohol consumption, sleep apnea, snoring, and fatigue. In some people, the facial muscles spasm during sleep. In kids, bruxism may be their reaction to teething pain or dissatisfaction. Kids with ADD/ADHD may also grind their teeth.
Teeth grinding is common among kids and rarer in adults, especially those above 65 years. The dentist may recommend mouth guard, splint, or jaw alignment to curb bruxism.
Request a dental appointment here: https://www.yourhuntsvilledentist.com or call Rene A. Talbot, DDS at (256) 382-6690 for an appointment in our Huntsville dental office.
If you experience soreness or pain in the jaw, you may want to talk with your dentist about TMJ treatment and whether the condition is causing your pain or other issues. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) is a serious condition that causes stiffness in the joints of the jaw, pain, soreness, swelling, and loss of movement.…
TMJ disorder, or temporomandibular joint disorders, refers to a group of issues related to mobility and discomfort around the jaw joints. The temporomandibular joints are the joints that link the lower jawbone (mandible) to the skull. More than any other joint in the body, these flexible joints are constantly in use, performing actions such as…
TMJ disorder is a common issue that can result from teeth grinding and other dental concerns. Most instances are minor, but TMJ that is left untreated can linger or worsen into a more serious issue. Many instances of jaw pain are caused by TMJ, and it is helpful to understand the symptoms of TMJ and…
As well as for cosmetic purposes, Botox® injections are used by many dentists as a treatment for temporomanibular joint pain. TMJ is a worsening disease of the lower jaw that causes a powerful clenching sensation and can lead to serious headaches. Dentists often recommend pain relief medications and bulky overnight headgear to deal with it.Because…
Veneers are designed to look just like real teeth, and they are virtually impossible to…
In this review, we discuss the procedure of a typical dental cleaning, providing insight into…
General dentistry consists of a lot of routine oral health care, which also happens to…
After you replace missing teeth, you may spend some time adjusting to new dentures. To…
It is helpful to understand what an endodontist does and whether one can benefit you.…
Children are often susceptible to cavities, and regular dental visits can reduce the risk of…