Biting Back on Teeth Grinding: Unconventional Tactics to Keep Your Pearly Whites and Peaceful Nights
19 July 2023
GNASH NO MORE!
Biting Back on Teeth Grinding: Unconventional Tactics to Keep Your Pearly Whites and Peaceful Nights

Do you often wake up with a pounding headache or a sore jaw? Perhaps your teeth have become overly sensitive, or your sleep partner complains about the irritating noise you make with your teeth at night. These signs may indicate that you're grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep.
Teeth grinding, medically known as Bruxism, is a condition where you unconsciously grind, gnash, or clench your teeth, primarily during sleep. It's a serious issue that can lead to significant damage to your teeth, mouth, and jaw. In fact, it can even be a sign of underlying medical conditions.
While the exact cause of teeth grinding is not fully understood, several factors can contribute to this nocturnal habit. Psychological factors like anxiety, stress, anger, or tension can trigger teeth grinding. Additionally, certain medications, abnormal jaw alignment, and medical disorders such as Huntington's and Parkinson's disease can play a role.
Frequent teeth grinding can have detrimental effects on your oral health. It can result in fractured, loose, or excessively worn teeth, and even lead to the loss of teeth. Existing dental restorations like crowns can also be damaged, while conditions like TMJ and TMD may worsen, causing increased pain and discomfort.
Recognizing the signs of teeth grinding is crucial. Some indicators include complaints from your sleep partner about the sounds you make at night, tooth sensitivity, worn enamel, jaw or facial pain, tired jaw muscles, and tongue indentations.
Fortunately, there are effective strategies to combat teeth grinding and protect your mouth from further harm. The first step is to consult your dentist, who can identify the cause of your grinding and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Dental splints and mouth guards can be provided by your dentist to safeguard your teeth and gums, preventing damage or reducing the intensity of grinding. Orthodontic treatments like braces may also be recommended to correct jaw misalignment. In some cases, your dentist may suggest seeking medical advice to rule out any underlying conditions or prescribe muscle relaxants or Botox injections to relax your jaw muscles.
Counseling and stress management techniques, such as meditation or biofeedback, can be beneficial in addressing the psychological factors contributing to teeth grinding. Additionally, adopting lifestyle changes like reducing stress, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and smoking before bed, establishing good sleep habits, and keeping your sleep partner informed can all aid in overcoming teeth grinding.
Remember, regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining oral health. Dentists are trained to detect signs of teeth grinding, even if you're unaware of it. If you suspect you're grinding your teeth, visiting your dentist is the best way to confirm the condition.