Teeth grinding in Children or Adults – Bruxism

   Tweet   

---

Teeth Grinding is associated with stress and anxiety. It occurs during the sleep, hence the person suffering cannot figure out the changes until the teeth wear and tear start getting visible. Although it occurs during the sleep, it is more likely to be present if the person has abnormal bite or teeth. It is also sometimes caused by sleep apnea.

How Do I Find Out if I Grind My Teeth?

There are very few symptoms visible at the initial state of the disease. Some of the typical symptoms include the following:

1. A dull, constant headache
2. Feel sore jaw when the person wakes up.
3. Grinding noise heard by family members at night
4. Excessive wear and tear of the teeth
5. A visit to a dentist can also tell the presence of Bruxism

Why Is Teeth Grinding Harmful?

Teeth grinding has some complications such as a loosening or fracture of teeth, complete tooth wear down. These complications need proper denture based treatment – such as root canal, crowns, implants, complete dentures, etc. The loss of teeth is just one complication. They can include jaw deformities. TMD/TMJ can also become worse and it may distort the face as well.

Causes of Bruxism

Researchers and doctors , even after many studies are not able to define what has caused the trouble of Bruxism in people. Some of the tentative reasons are

1. Emotions, such as anxiety, stress, tension, anger, etc.
2. Aggressive personality can also lead to Bruxism.
3. Malocclusion – the alignment issues of lower and upper teeth
4. Sleep apnea
5. Response to pain in children

A coping strategy or focusing habit

Apply some of the mouth guards which can help separate the teeth from each other hence reducing the symptoms of Bruxism.

Stress management – keep your stress levels less.

Behavior therapy – it can help in soothing down the senses and also help in controlling Bruxism. Once you discover that you have Bruxism, you can change your attitude and behaviour - practicing proper mouth and jaw position. Ask your dentist to show you the best position for your mouth and jaw.