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Teeth Grinding
Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding involves grinding and/or jaw clenching during sleep. Occurring in about 15 percent of the population, this condition can be slight and sporadic. It can also be so frequent and severe that teeth are damaged, along with romantic relationships. (Severe teeth grinding can awaken one's bedmate.)
While bruxism is not as dangerous as some dental disorders, it can still be a major source of discomfort. It can worsen the pain and damage associated with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), and can make existing dental problems even more painful and complicated.
Grinding occurs most often in the early hours of sleep. Very often, it's linked to symptoms of emotional tension, anxiety, repressed hostility, and anger. While it may also be triggered by the way your upper and lower teeth fit together when your mouth is closed, alcohol intake is another common cause of bruxism.
Symptoms of bruxism include jaw pain or earache, jaw muscle contractions, and abnormal alignment of teeth. A dental exam should rule out other conditions that may cause similar jaw or ear pain, including temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), ear disorders, and dental disorders.
Successful treatment for teeth grinding may require a multifaceted approach. For example, orthodontic adjustment of the bite pattern may be required, along with learning stress management techniques to help stop teeth grinding as soon as it starts. While wearing a mouth guard at night may help prevent tooth damage and jaw pain, psychotherapy or counseling may also be of great help in literally unclenching and expressing anger, anxiety, or stress.
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