Bruxism or Tooth Grinding

Approximately 50 to 96 percent of adults experience bruxism (tooth grinding), and 15 percent of children acquire this behavior. The habit can occur during the day or at night, and more often than not, goes unnoticed by the person doing it.

There are several reasons why we may grind our teeth, including an abnormal bite or crooked or missing teeth. However, the most common reason for teeth grinding is stress. It is well known that increased stress levels can have a negative effect on one’s overall health, and these days, with the pressures and stresses of everyday life, many people are noticing that they grind their teeth more often.

Since most cases of bruxism occur while you sleep, how do you know if you grind your teeth? You may wake yourself up due to the grinding sound or from the pressure of clenching your jaw. In other circumstances, someone else may be able to see or even hear you doing it. However, because most patients are unaware that they are grinding their teeth, symptoms such as waking up with a headache, toothache, or earache, as well as tenderness to the face, jaw muscles, and/or the teeth and gums are all possible signs of bruxism. During a routine dental check-up, your dentist or dental hygienist may detect worn-down teeth or worn-down dental work on fillings or crowns. Over time, grinding can wear away or fracture tooth enamel and may eventually loosen teeth.

Grinding teeth is a common occurrence for most people at one time or another. If you suspect that you are routinely grinding your teeth, consult with a dentist as soon as possible says Dr. Cherukuri, from her Chino; California dental practice.

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