Do you find yourself clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth at night? You’re not alone. About 50 percent of people grind their teeth at some point in their lives. However, grinding your teeth can lead to serious dental problems, so it’s important to take steps to stop it. Here are a few tips that can help.

What is Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is the involuntary clenching and grinding of the teeth. This usually occurs during sleep, however, other causes can include stress, anxiety, tension or concentration. The use of tobacco, caffeine, alcohol, and other illicit drugs can also increase the likelihood of teeth grinding.

Symptoms 

Since teeth grinding most often occurs during sleep, some people may not be aware that they are doing it in the first place. However, there are some telltale signs that can make you aware if you are experiencing it.

• Face, neck, and shoulder pain 
• Tight or sore jaw muscles
• Worn-down or broken teeth causing sensitivity 
• Headaches or earaches 
• Disturbed sleep 
• Pain around your ears or temples 

Long-term Effects

If left untreated, there can be some long-term consequences to this problem. Persistent teeth grinding can wear down tooth surfaces and tooth enamel, leading to increased sensitivity and height loss. 

The constant movement and pressure can cause cracks, chips, and fractures. If you have any fillings, crowns, or bridges, grinding can lead to damaging these as well. Temporomandibular disorders such as TMJ Syndrome can result from aggressive grinding, preventing the muscle system of bones and joints from working together. 

Treatment

The most common treatment for bruxism patients is a nightguard, essentially a retainer-like device, that is worn overnight. Although this device prevents damage to the teeth and mouth, it does not put a stop to the action of grinding. The only way to put a stop to grinding completely is by identifying the root of the problem and attempting to treat it. Different routes to improve teeth grinding include:

• Medication such as muscle relaxers for the jaw, or antidepressants if the root cause is life stressors.
• Procedures such as botox injections in the jaw muscles.
• Behavioral strategies such as therapy sessions with psychologists to address stress management and relaxation. 

Grinding your teeth can lead to many problems down the road if left untreated. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms and see a dentist if you think you may be grinding your teeth. There are treatments available that can help lessen the effects of grinding your teeth, so don’t hesitate to get help if you need it.