By Jandra Korb, DDS
Regularly clenching or grinding your teeth is called bruxism.
Bruxism can happen when you’re young or old and when you’re awake or asleep, says the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). The condition is often mild and doesn’t need treatment, but the NIDCR adds that severe bruxism can lead to damaged teeth, jaw pain or tiredness and headache.
Causes of teeth grinding include sleep disorders, misaligned teeth, and missing or crooked teeth, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Some evidence associates sleep bruxism with stress, mood, distress, nervousness and depression, says the Journal of Prosthodontics. The journal also notes that caffeine, alcohol and smoking are factors. Likewise, ADA research found that people who smoke or drink alcohol or coffee are twice as likely to grind their teeth as people who don’t. Furthermore, some medicines may increase the chances of teeth grinding or clenching, according to the NIDCR.
Bruxism Symptoms and Treatment
Seek help from your dentist if you experience signs or symptoms such as:
- Teeth problems.
- Flattened, chipped, cracked or loose teeth.
- Worn enamel.
- Pain or sensitivity.
- Jaw discomfort.
- Sore or tired jaw muscles.
- Tightness in the jaw.
- Issues around the face and head.
- Headache.
- Pain of the face or neck.
- Ears that hurt, itch, ring or feel plugged.
Determining the root cause of bruxism can be complex. Your dentist will ask about your medical history and perform an exam. They may also request a sleep study from your primary care doctor. The sleep study would detect related issues, including if you grind or clench your teeth while asleep.
If you regularly grind your teeth, it’s important to protect them against damage from bruxism. A night guard for teeth provides protection. Night guards available online and in big-box stores may help, but they are not as comfortable and effective as a custom-fit night guard from your dentist. After you get a custom mouth guard, bring it to future appointments to help keep it in good, comfortable condition.
Also ask your primary care doctor about ways to relieve stress. Together with a night guard, the ADA says, managing stress will help prevent damage due to teeth grinding or clenching.
Improving the oral health of all is the mission of DentaQuest, part of Sun Life U.S. Members can click here to find a dentist.
Dr. Korb joined DentaQuest as dental director after spending more than two decades practicing general dentistry in Vinita, Oklahoma. She spends significant time volunteering within educational and dental realms, and most recently has been serving as a member of the Board of Health for Craig County, Oklahoma. A SAID board member, Dr. Korb also chairs that organization’s Policy and Legislative Committee and serves on the Core Team for the Native Oral Health Network. Dr. Korb earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing as well as her DDS at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
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DentaQuest is a purpose-driven health care company dedicated to improving the oral health of all. We do this through Preventistry® — our inclusive approach to quality care and expanded access built on trusted partnerships between patients, providers and payors. As one of the nation’s largest and most experienced Medicaid dental benefits administrators, we manage dental and vision benefits for more than 33 million Americans through a nationwide network of providers in all 50 states. Our outcomes-based, cost-effective dental solutions are designed for Medicaid and CHIP, Medicare Advantage, small and large businesses, and individuals. At the same time, we are expanding our footprint of more than 70 oral health centers in six states to deliver direct patient care in rural and underserved populations. Learn more at www.DentaQuest.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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