What is Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding is a common condition in which a person grinds or clenches his or her teeth. This condition is also called bruxism. You can grind or clench your teeth without knowing that you are doing it. It can be done during the day or at night while you are sleeping. This can lead to tooth damage and jaw pain.

What are the causes?

The cause of this condition is not known. However, teeth grinding may be triggered by:

• Teeth that do not line up correctly (malocclusion).
• Stress or worry.
• Earaches.
• Allergies.
• Some medicines.
• Upper respiratory infections.
• Sleep disorders.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in:

• Children.
• People who have a family history of teeth grinding.
• People who consume nicotine, caffeine, or excess amounts of alcohol before sleeping.
• People who are stressed.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Earaches.
• Teeth that are sensitive to heat, cold, and sweetness.
• Damaged teeth.
• Jaw pain or facial pain.
• Jaw problems, such as hearing a clicking sound when you open or close your mouth.
• Headaches.
• Muscle spasms.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Trouble eating.

In some cases, there are no symptoms.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed with a medical history and dental exam. To rule out other conditions, you may also have other tests, including:

• X-rays.
• Blood tests.

How is this treated?

There is no cure for this condition, but treatment can help control your symptoms and prevent further damage to your teeth. Treatment may include:

• A night guard. This is a mouth guard that is fitted to your teeth. It places a barrier between your top teeth and your bottom teeth so that you grind on the night guard instead.
• A mouth guard that moves your lower jaw forward (mandibular advancement device).
• Dental correction of teeth that do not line up correctly. This may include braces.
• Medicine to relax your jaw muscles.
• Methods to reduce your stress, such as:
  • Hypnosis.
  • Relaxation techniques to use before going to sleep.

Follow these instructions at home:

Lifestyle

• Try to ease your stress with exercise, yoga, or meditation. Talk with your health care provider if you need help to lessen your stress.
• Try to get 8 hours of sleep every night. Sleep in a cool, dark, and quiet room. Keep computers and work out of the bedroom.
• Avoid sleeping on your back. Try sleeping on your side or your abdomen.
• Avoid:
  • Chewing gum.
  • Eating tough or hard foods, such as candy.
  • Alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, especially before bedtime.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow.
• Try to keep your face, mouth, and jaw muscles relaxed.

General instructions

• If you were given a mouth guard, wear it as told by your health care provider.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Your health care provider may recommend applying a warm compress to your face to help relax your jaw muscles. Do this as told by your health care provider.
• Do jaw exercises as told by your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if you have:

• Symptoms that get worse.
• New symptoms.
• Trouble eating.
• Trouble opening your mouth.

Summary

• Teeth grinding is a common condition where you grind or clench your teeth.
• Symptoms can include jaw problems, facial pain, sensitive teeth, headaches, or trouble eating or sleeping.
• There is no cure, but treatment can help ease symptoms and prevent further damage to the teeth. Options include wearing a mouth guard, having dental work, taking medicine, and finding ways to ease stress.