In the United States, an estimated 10% of adults and 15% of children grind their teeth—a medical condition known as “bruxism.” Fortunately, treatment options are available for teeth grinding. But first, read on to learn some basic facts about bruxism.

Signs & Symptoms

Due to the unconscious nature of the condition, patients often don’t know they are grinding their teeth until complications develop. Therefore, it’s important to know how to identify the typical signs and symptoms. These include:

• Teeth that are flattened, broken, or loose
• Worn tooth enamel
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Tired or tight jaw muscles
• Jaw, neck, or face pain
• Ear pain
• Recurring headaches
• Chewing damage on the inside of the cheek
• Sleep disruption & daytime sleepiness

Risk Factors

Chronic stress, anxiety, certain medications, tobacco, caffeine, genetics, and being a child are all factors that can increase your risk of bruxism. (Fortunately, most children with bruxism outgrow it.) Certain unrelated medical disorders are also risk factors, including Parkinson’s disease, dementia, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, epilepsy, sleep apnea, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Treatment Options

Treatment for teeth grinding include certain dental approaches, therapies, and medications:

Splints & Mouthguards

These oral appliances are the most common dental treatments. They work by keeping teeth separated to avoid the damage caused by clenching and grinding.

Meditation, Relaxation & Exercise

Mindfulness techniques, including yoga and other forms of regular physical activity, can help if stress is the cause. Or, if the cause is anxiety, consultation with a therapist or counselor is recommended.

Behavioral Therapy

Another option is behavioral therapy, which involves practicing proper mouth and jaw position to change the grinding behavior. While behavioral therapy relies mostly on will power, biofeedback incorporates the assistance of monitoring equipment to help teach you to control muscle activity in your jaw.

Medication

Muscle relaxants, antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and even BOTOX injections are sometimes prescribed to reduce any muscle and jaw pain associated with bruxism.

Get a Custom Mouthguard at Our Office!

As mentioned, most people who grind their teeth aren’t aware of it until complications develop. Dental exams are the best way to diagnose bruxism, which gives you another important reason to have regular checkups. If you grind your teeth, we can fit you with a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth from further damage.