If you wake up to a sore jawbone, tooth sensitivity, or slight headaches, these are all warning signs that you have been grinding your teeth. While it’s common for people to grind their teeth or clench their jaw occasionally, tooth damage can occur if done too often.
Commonly referred to as bruxism, chronic teeth grinding can occur for multiple reasons, and when it does, Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is here to help!
Teeth Grinding Treatment Options
Dr. Matthew Jenne and our team will work with you to understand the underlying cause of your bruxism. He will also evaluate you for tooth damage or gum inflammation. We will use all of this information to create your personalized treatment plan.
We recommend many of our patients who experience chronic teeth grinding to utilize a night guard. A night guard is a custom-made covering worn over the teeth that allow the jaw muscles to relax and prevents tooth damage.
Similar to a sports mouthguard, a night guard is removable and can be used on an as-needed basis. Through the use of a night guard, we are typically able to relieve patients of all the uncomfortable symptoms brought on by teeth grinding.
Signs and Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
This habit can occur during the day or at night while sleeping, leading to several noticeable signs and symptoms. Recognizing these warning signs early can help prevent more serious dental issues.
Common Symptoms
One of the most obvious signs of teeth grinding is worn-down teeth. Over time, grinding can erode the enamel, flatten the biting surfaces, or even cause cracks in the teeth. This damage may make teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
Another symptom is jaw pain or soreness, especially in the morning. Grinding stresses the muscles and joints in your jaw, leading to discomfort that may feel like a dull ache or sharp pain. Some people may also experience stiffness in their jaw, making it harder to open or close their mouth fully.
Another common sign is headaches, particularly dull ones that start near the temples. These headaches often occur because of the tension created by clenching and grinding. Some individuals may also notice ear pain or a sensation of fullness in the ears, even though there’s no ear infection.
Visible Clues
A dentist can spot bruxism during a routine exam by looking for signs like flattened or chipped teeth, unusual wear patterns, or damage to dental restorations like crowns or fillings. In some cases, the inside of the cheeks may have small bite marks from accidental chewing caused by grinding.
Other Symptoms
Teeth grinding can also lead to disturbed sleep. People who grind their teeth at night might wake up feeling unrested or hear complaints from their sleep partners about grinding noises. Over time, untreated bruxism can contribute to gum recession or even loose teeth, as the constant pressure affects the gums and supporting bone.
What Causes Teeth Grinding
While it may seem like a simple habit, teeth grinding has several underlying causes that vary from person to person. Understanding these causes is the first step toward finding relief.
Stress and Anxiety
One of the most common causes of teeth grinding is stress. When people feel anxious, they may clench their jaws or grind their teeth to cope with tension. This response often happens without them realizing it, especially at night. High stress levels or a fast-paced lifestyle can increase the chances of developing bruxism.
Sleep Disorders
Teeth grinding is also closely linked to sleep disorders. Conditions like sleep apnea, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, can trigger nighttime grinding. Sleep apnea disrupts the body’s natural sleep cycles, leading to clenching or grinding as a reaction. Additionally, people who have insomnia or restless leg syndrome may be more likely to develop bruxism.
Misaligned Teeth
Another potential cause of teeth grinding is misaligned teeth, also known as malocclusion. When the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly, it can create extra strain on the jaw. This imbalance may cause grinding as the body tries to compensate for the uneven bite.
Lifestyle Factors
Certain lifestyle choices can increase the likelihood of teeth grinding. For example, caffeine and alcohol consumption are known to contribute to bruxism. Drinking too much coffee or soda, especially in the evening, can make the jaw muscles more active while you sleep. Similarly, alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to nighttime grinding.
Medications and Medical Conditions
Some medications, particularly those that affect the central nervous system, can cause bruxism as a side effect. For example, certain antidepressants or medications used to treat psychiatric disorders may contribute to grinding. Additionally, medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease or Huntington’s disease can increase the risk of bruxism due to their impact on muscle control.
Childhood Bruxism
Teeth grinding isn’t limited to adults. Many children grind their teeth, particularly during sleep. For kids, bruxism often stems from growing pains, teething, or misaligned baby teeth. Stress, such as anxiety about school or family changes, can also play a role. Most children outgrow the habit as their teeth and jaws develop.
Personality Traits
Some personality traits may make certain individuals more prone to teeth grinding. For instance, naturally competitive, perfectionistic, or highly driven people may have a higher risk. These traits often go hand in hand with stress, making grinding more likely.
Teeth Grinding FAQs
Learn more about teeth grinding by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
What can I do to stop grinding my teeth naturally?
If you are struggling with grinding your teeth, any food with caffeine may cause the issue to worsen. The first thing that patients should do if they realize that they are grinding their teeth is to cut out caffeine and alcohol. Patients should also avoid chewing ice, pens, fingernails, etc.
What does teeth grinding pain feel like?
Patients typically describe pain from teeth grinding as an achy pain, usually in the back of a patient’s mouth. Sometimes patients may describe a sharp pain, but in most cases, the pain is muscular making it an achy feeling.
Many patients grind their teeth more on one side of their jaw; some may be able to tell which side the issue is worse based on pain levels.
What is the difference between bruxism and clenching?
The clinical term for grinding one’s teeth is bruxism. Bruxism is when a patient grinds their teeth together in a back and forth motion. This may cause teeth to wear down and flatten at the bottom.
Clenching is when a patient holds their teeth together tight, biting down and tightening muscles, however, there is no motion of grinding between the teeth and therefore significantly less damage.
Can you reverse teeth grinding?
You can reverse teeth grinding, however the success of this varies from patient to patient. Stress is the leading cause of teeth grinding, so reducing stress can be an effective way to limit and reverse the habit of grinding teeth.
What damage can grinding teeth cause?
Teeth grinding can cause damage to tooth enamel which may cause teeth to chip, break, or loosen. Teeth grading may also damage restorations such as crowns, bridges, and implants.
Can grinding cause teeth to move?
Teeth grinding may cause teeth to shift over time. This is a less common side effect of tooth grinding, and it takes an extended time for this to occur, however extended untreated teeth grinding may cause teeth to shift and become misaligned.
How do I stop grinding my teeth during the day?
Place the tip of your tongue between your teeth if you’ve noticed that you clench or grind at work or during the day. This exercise helps you learn how to relax your jaw muscles. Holding a warm washcloth against your cheek will also help relax your jaw muscles at night.