It has to be said that bruxism is one of those phenomena for which science has not fully explained and the exact causes are not known. However, it is thought to be caused by a combination of physical, psychological and genetic factors. It could be malocclusion, crooked teeth, high stress or simply a habit formed over the years.
Teeth grinding is usually associated with nervous tension and excitement. It can be caused by emotions such as anxiety, stress, anger, frustration and tension. It can also be a coping strategy or a habit during deep concentration.
Risk factors for bruxism include:
- Stresses. Increased levels of anxiety or stress, anger and frustration can lead to teething.
- Age. Bruxism is very common in young children, but they often just “outgrow” it.
- Personality type. The risk of bruxism increases in people who are aggressive, hyperactive and like to compete.
- Use of medicines and other products. Teeth grinding can be an uncommon side effect of some medicines such as antidepressants. Tobacco, coffee and other caffeinated drinks also increase the risk of bruxism.
- Family history. Bruxism often affects different members of the same family.
- Other disorders. Teeth grinding is associated with some mental health and medical disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, reflux, epilepsy, sleep apnoea, attention deficit disorder, and hyperactivity disorders.
How do I know if I have teething?
Patients usually do not notice bruxism themselves. This is told to them by their spouse, who sleeps nearby and constantly listens to their nocturnal grinding. Bruxism can also be silent, where the person tends to bite down very hard on their teeth. In any case, it is very important to visit the dentist regularly for preventive check-ups. By examining the mouth, the dentist will see the wear and tear of the teeth or other consequences of bruxism before they can cause serious damage and will suggest the right treatment in time.
How is teething treated?
Usually, mild gnashing of teeth is not treated. Most children outgrow bruxism at night, and adults do not gnash their teeth so strongly that special treatment is needed. However, some patients experience this phenomenon continuously and severely, which is why various methods and tools are used to treat it and recommendations are made to change the patient’s lifestyle.
- Mouthguards. You may be offered a special mouthguard to put in your mouth before going to bed. This is made of hard acrylic or other material that helps protect the teeth, absorbing pressure and preventing the teeth from rubbing against each other.
- Tooth correction. In some difficult cases, where tooth wear causes sensitivity or a large part of the tooth is worn away, doctors have to perform fillings or crowns to restore the chewing surface.
- Anxiety management. If you’re gritting your teeth because of stress, you can get rid of this problem by doing relaxation exercises or meditation. Counselling with a psychotherapist can also help.
- Behaviour change. You can consciously adjust your behaviour by trying to keep your mouth and jaw in the correct position. Your dentist will help you determine this.
- Medicines. This is not the first measure to eradicate bruxism, but in some cases you may be prescribed medication such as muscle relaxants, painkillers, sedatives, anti-inflammatories or even injections of botulinum toxin.
What can the patient do to reduce gnashing?
Everyone’s behaviour can have a major impact on their personal health and well-being. There are many things you can do to reduce gnashing of teeth and all the associated consequences. Here are some of them:
- Reduce the amount of stress you experience, or learn to respond more calmly by finding coping techniques that work for you (listen to music, exercise, take a warm bath, find a new hobby);
- Avoid stimulants such as alcohol, coffee and other caffeinated drinks in the evening;
- Eat nutritious, healthy and low-sugar foods;
- Develop good sleeping habits: go to bed early, get 7-8 hours of sleep, don’t snooze on your phone just before bedtime, draw the night curtains to avoid light disturbance;
- See your dentist regularly to help you spot the signs of bruxism in time and repair the damage caused.
Questions? Do you want to consult a dentist? Contact us by phone: +370 615 66655 by email: info@dantumeistrai.lt
