12/01/2023
Bruxism is the involuntary clenching, grinding and gnashing of the teeth. About half of the population does it from time to time. Around 5% of the population are regular, forceful tooth grinders. Often it happens during sleep, but some people grind their teeth when they are awake.
Usually, a person doesn’t realise that they grind their teeth in their sleep. The partner who shares their bed (and hears the grinding noises at night) is often the first to notice the problem. Parents may also hear it in their sleeping children. Teeth grinding can be a result of stress. For example, some people grind their teeth when they are angry, concentrating or feeling anxious.
Symptoms of teeth grinding
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Signs and symptoms of teeth grinding include:
headache, jaw joint and/or ear pain
aching teeth, particularly just after waking up
aching and/or stiffness of the face and temples just after waking up
aching or stiffness in the jaws while chewing, particularly during breakfast
clenching the jaw when angry, anxious or concentrating
temperature-sensitive teeth
cracked or chipped tooth enamel
tooth indentations on the tongue
raised tissue on the inside of the cheek caused by biting
loose teeth.
Signs of teeth grinding
Problems caused by teeth grinding may include:
cracked tooth enamel
more wear and tear on the teeth than is normal
broken teeth or broken restorations (for example, fillings)
strain on the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint)
pain in the jaw joint or limited movement
sore jaw muscles
tooth loss (rare)
enlargement of the jaw muscles (rare)
teeth being more sensitive to hot and cold things.
Risk Factors for tooth grinding
Stress and anxiety
Alcohol
Smoking
Caffeine
Snoring
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Drugs: Antidepressants, anti-psychotics, amphetamines, co***ne
Your dentist or other oral health professional can assess the influence of these factors.
