What is Bruxism?
Written by Ellen Roberts   
Wednesday, 03 February 2010 08:48
Teeth grinding referred to as bruxism is considered to be both a medical and a dental problem. Simply defined, it is the act of consciously or unconsciously clenching your teeth either during the day or while you sleep. Teeth grinding usually happens during sleep. Have you ever had a roommate or a sleeping partner that snores? Well you might have had one that grinds their teeth in their sleep as well. However, unlike snoring, teeth grinding sounds are a little on the low side, although it can be as bothersome as well. This is because it affects both the teeth and all of the structure near it, including the head.
by EllenRoberts


Teeth grinding referred to as bruxism is considered to be both a medical and a dental problem. Simply defined, it is the act of consciously or unconsciously clenching your teeth either during the day or while you sleep. Teeth grinding usually happens during sleep. Have you ever had a roommate or a sleeping partner that snores? Well you might have had one that grinds their teeth in their sleep as well. However, unlike snoring, teeth grinding sounds are a little on the low side, although it can be as bothersome as well. This is because it affects both the teeth and all of the structure near it, including the head.

Over time, teeth grinding can cause serious tooth damage, such as cracking of enamel. Grinding your teeth at night can cause a painful jaw in the morning. If you grind your teeth, you will know the problems that it can cause. Many people who grind their teeth find their jaw is tense during the day as well, but the worst grinding happens at night. And this is where the real problem arises. Teeth grinding can keep your sleeping partner awake, causing relationship difficulties.

In rare instances, teeth grinding can be a side-effect of antidepressant medicines. Having a vitamin deficiency (such as of calcium or magnesium) may be linked with teeth grinding, so it's important to follow a well-balanced, nutritious diet and take a multivitamin supplement if needed. Also, short-term teeth grinding may be caused by an illness, such as a cold, ear infection, pinworms or allergies; check with your doctor if the grinding continues after the medical condition has passed. The most likely culprits to teeth grinding are things like stress, sleep disorders, crooked or missing teeth and having an abnormal bite, where the upper and lower teeth do not come together normally (known as malocclusion). Tobacco, caffeine, alcohol or drug use may also cause teeth grinding.

Most of the time, treatment is not needed and many children will stop grinding their teeth on their own. If left untreated, however, teeth grinding can sometimes damage the teeth or cause headaches and tmj (temporomandibular joint) pain. Your dentist may recommend a mouth guard or appliance (a splint for the teeth) to protect the teeth and possibly prevent grinding. Orthodontic correction may be needed if the teeth or jaws are poorly aligned.

Treating and preventing stress or anxiety through counseling, relaxation, exercise, meditation, hypnotherapy or any number of other stress-relief methods may help eliminate teeth grinding as well. Finally, keeping the jaws relaxed in the daytime by not chewing on pens, pencils, fingernails or gum may prevent grinding and clenching at night. For more information on how to prevent or cure bruxism just go to the link below.

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