CureTeethGrinding

What is Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding is a relatively common condition that involces grinding or gnashing of the teeth under certain conditions. The condition is also known as Bruxism, and sufferers known as Bruxers.

One thing to remember is that teeth grinding is usually an unconscious or subconscious behavior. So that unless somebody tells you that you grind your teeth; or unless you yourself know has an awareness of the problem, it can often go undiagnosed

Who does it affect?

Teeth Grinding affects over 10 percent of adults and fifty percent of children

How do I know if I do it?

There are many warning signs you can use. These include

- A family history of Teeth Grinding

- Being under a lot of stress

- Sleep problems like nightmares or sleepwalking

- Too much caffeine

- Smoking

- Too much alcohol, especially in the evening

- Drugs like ecstasy or cocaine

- Antidepressants

- Teeth out of alignment (i.e. they don't ‘fit together')

- Snoring or blocked nasal passages

- Abnormal sleep patterns, like working the night shift. Or simply just not getting enough sleep.

Generally if you have three or more of these warning signs, you may be teeth grinding

What problems can it cause?

The problems can be mild and controllable, but they can also be severe. Severe problems include tooth damage (possibly resulting in the loss of teeth) or arthritis of the TMJ (a jaw muscle).

Often the damage increases over time. Teeth grinding that begins as mild can over time results in the more severe problems.

What can I do to cure Teeth Grinding?

There are many different treatment options. There is no ‘one size fits all' approach where one treatment works for everybody. Each individual is different.

It can be a good idea to visit your dentist or doctor, or find out more information on grinding teeth at night.