Stop Teeth Grinding: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Are you one of the many people who wake up with sore teeth and jaws after a night's sleep? If so, you may be grinding your teeth, a condition known as bruxism. Teeth grinding is a rhythmic clenching of the jaws and grinding of the teeth that can develop at any age. It can occur during sleep or while awake, often unconsciously.

During the day, people who are concentrating on a task may clench their teeth together and apply force through a contraction of the jaw muscles. This is commonly associated with daytime activities such as lifting heavy objects, driving, reading, and writing. At night, it presents as clenching and rhythmic contractions during sleep.

Symptoms of Teeth Grinding

The most common symptom of teeth grinding is a headache. According to the Bruxism Association, people who grind their teeth are three times more likely to suffer from headaches. Other symptoms include muscle aches, enlargement of facial muscles, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort, stiffness of the shoulders and neck, ear pain, and sleep disorders. The teeth are adversely affected and show abnormal wear and mobility, leading to fracture and loss of teeth.

Causes of Teeth Grinding

Stress, anxiety, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, caffeine, depression, and sleep disorders are all possible causes of teeth grinding, according to the Bruxism Association. However, there is little direct evidence to support any single cause. Research has shown that bruxism is found more frequently in people who snore or suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and in people whose lifestyle includes smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming caffeine.

It has been found that 70% of people clench and grind their teeth as a result of stress and anxiety. Some research has shown a possible link between teeth grinding and a stressful work environment.

Treatment for Teeth Grinding

The best way to protect your teeth and prevent tooth wear and fracture is to wear an occlusal appliance, also known as an occlusal splint, occlusal bite guard, night guard, bite plate, or bruxism appliance. These are custom-made, specially fitted plastic mouth pieces that fit over your top or bottom teeth. Wearing one of these appliances will reduce jaw muscle pain and protect both your teeth and temporomandibular joint. The appliances are usually worn at bedtime and are considered the treatment of choice.

Other treatment options include mandibular advancement devices, which are also custom-made, specially fitted appliances that typically bring your bottom jaw (mandible) forward. These devices are used when a sleep disorder is a probable cause of grinding and are preferred when grinding is caused by sleep apnea.

If anxiety or stress is believed to be the cause of your grinding, behavioral management through relaxation techniques, meditation, and psychoanalysis can help manage stress and anxiety. Hypnosis has also been found to help relieve grinding of the teeth, with positive long-term effects according to a study reported by the Bruxism Association.

Putting an end to teeth grinding requires an evaluation by your dentist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. After an exam, a treatment plan can be implemented, which may include an occlusal appliance and possibly behavioral modification methods.