7 Reasons why you should not grind your Teeth

Teeth grinding is a habit many engage in when they are anxious/stressed or during sleep. It is also known as Bruxism. The sound produced when a person clenches and grinds could be quite disturbing. Teeth grinding is seen in children and adults; however, it is commoner in adults. Children who grind their teeth later outgrow it.

While under stress people who grind their teeth use it as a means to release tension. Some who grind while sleeping may not know they grind their teeth unless they are told by family members. Waking up with jaw pain and headache is a pointer to night grinding.

Regular teeth grinding may lead to the following:

1. Jaw pain
2. Wearing down of the teeth: an obvious reduction in the length of teeth.
3. Teeth sensitivity: results from the wearing down of the teeth. The topmost layer of the teeth(enamel)is worn down exposing the sensitive yellowish inner layer(dentin).
4. Tooth loss
5. Jaw joint pain/TMJ pain
6. Headaches.
7. Swollen cheek muscles.

Treatment for teeth grinding include

1. Reduce stress: individuals may benefit from attending counseling sessions to help reduce stress.
2. Muscle relaxation exercises
3. Use of medication to relax the muscles (muscle relaxants)
4. Mouth guards: if grinding persists after stress reduction or muscle relaxation, your dentist can help make a mouth guard similar to those used in sports such as boxing to prevent the upper and lower teeth from making contact.

Although mouth guards are available for purchase, they may not fit readily like the one your dentist will make.