1 Comment January 19, 2008 – 1:58 am

Hundreds of thousands of Americans frequently experience bruxism (tooth grinding) particularly at night. In most cases it does not pose serious problems but in some cases it can cause chipped or fractured teeth, damage to tooth enamel, jaw pain, facial pain, extreme tooth sensitivity and headaches. In severe cases, bruxism may cause or worsen TMJ and even change the appearance of your face.

According to the American Dental Association, bruxism ranges from mild to severe. In severe cases the tooth grinding is so pronounced that your sleep partner can hear it at night. Most people with night bruxism aren’t aware of the habit so they are not diagnosed until some sort of complication occurs. That is one reason why it is important to seek regular dental care so that your dentist can detect worn tooth enamel before serious damage occurs.

ADA reports indicate that about half of US adults grind their teeth at night. About 40 million people grind their teeth in a way that is destructive. The disorder is more common in people who are over the age of 25 and it affects men and women equally. In some cases children grind their teeth, but it is usually in response to discomfort from colds, ear infections or allergies. Childhood bruxism often resolves itself without causing serious tooth damage.

Although there are numerous reasons why teeth grinding occurs, emotional factors such as stress, anxiety, pain and frustration are often at the root of the problem. Some types of sleep disorders may contribute to teeth grinding. In other cases, tooth grinding may be caused by an incorrect bite, missing teeth or teeth that are not properly aligned.

People who grind their teeth at night in response to stress often respond well to counseling, lifestyle changes and relaxation therapy. Exercise, meditation, massages and yoga are excellent ways to reduce stress without relying on medication. Although prescription muscle relaxants may help in some cases, they can be habit forming and so the use of medication is not considered a long-term solution for teeth grinding.

If you grind your teeth, your dentist may suggest a mouth guard or a protective dental appliance to prevent damage to your teeth. Talk to your dentist about other measures that can be taken to prevent teeth grinding.