Teeth Grinding

Teeth Grinding

Many people including children may grind and clench their teeth from time to time. This is medically called bruxism.This clenching does not cause harm, but when this occurs on regular basis teeth can be damaged on top of other complications.

Causes

The main cause can be due to stress and anxiety, abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth. Also be caused by a sleep disorders as in sleep apnea.

How to Find Out if I Grind My Teeth?

Grinding often occurs during sleep, so that’s why most people are unaware of grind their teeth.but can manifest suddenly whout previos notice as tooth/teeth fracture on waking up or dull, constant headache or sore jaw when you wake up or even ear pain. Many times people come to know that they grind their teeth by their mate who hears the grinding at night.

,the next time you visit dentist ask him to examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism,

What Can I Do to Stop Grinding My Teeth?

Your dentist can make you a mouth guard which is basically a rubbery barrier to protect your teeth from grinding during sleep.

Tips to help to stop teeth grinding

• Avoid foods and drinks contain caffeine.
• Avoid alcohol. Grinding tends to intensify after alcohol consumption.
• Do not chew on pencils or pens . Avoid chewing gum as it allows your jaw muscles to get more used to clenching
• Train yourself not to clench or grind your teeth during day time .
• Relax your jaw muscles at night by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe.

In case of children try to decrease child’s stress, especially just before bed. And make sure that your child’s diet includes plenty of water Dehydration may cause teeth grinding.