Tooth Grinding
Teeth grinding is surprisingly common and often happens while asleep. Most people are unaware that they are grinding and only realise it when their partner complains of the noise the following morning.
Other noticeable effects of grinding (bruxism) are:
- Earache
- Jaw pain
- Facial and neck pain
- Sleep disorder – both yourself and partner
- Sensitivity to hot and cold drinks
Why do we grind?
The most common reason for grinding is trying to compensate for an imperfect bite. This is when the upper and lower jaws come together, but the teeth don’t seem to fit comfortably, and you, therefore, try to force them into a perfect bite. Imagine chewing hard but with no food in your mouth.
You may also suffer from jaw clenching, which, when combined with grinding, can cause greater discomfort and damage to the teeth.
Stress is also thought to lead to grinding, although you may be equally unaware that you are doing so, as it often happens during sleep.
What are the consequences of grinding?
As you try to compensate for the imperfect bite, you end up biting harder, thus causing damage to the enamel on your teeth. It becomes a vicious circle: as you bite harder to try and make the teeth fit better, you end up creating more damage to your teeth by initially wearing down the tooth’s enamel and gradually wearing down the tooth itself.
What can be done about it?
Most grinding occurs during sleep, so the most common solution is using a mouthguard to prevent such grinding. This helps reduce the pressure of tooth grinding and helps prevent further damage to your teeth. Your dentist may also be able to adjust your teeth to achieve a better bite and thus reduce the subconscious effort you are making.
Naturally, if your grinding results from stress, you should learn relaxation techniques and stress management.