Summary. Teeth grinding (bruxism) is involuntary clenching, grinding and gnashing of the teeth that usually happens during sleep. Causes can include stress, concentration and use of illegal drugs. Treatments include bite splints (to be worn at night), repair of tooth damage, and stress management therapy.
Although teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, it often occurs during sleep and is more likely caused by an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth. It can also be caused by a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea.
Mouth exercises and massages can help reduce pain and relieve muscle tension caused by teeth grinding. Mouthguards, stress reduction, and medication may reduce or eliminate sleep disruptions and tooth damage. If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw at night, talk with your doctor or dentist.
The airway narrows during sleep, triggering a stress response that prompts the jaw to jut forward as a reflexive response to the change in air intake. The reflex of pushing the jaw forward allows air to flow freely, but an unfortunate side effect is teeth grinding.
Although the causes of bruxism are not really known, several factors may be involved. Stressful situations, an abnormal bite, and crooked or missing teeth appear to contribute. There is also some evidence that sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can cause teeth grinding.
Overview. Bruxism (BRUK-siz-um) is a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. If you have bruxism, you may unconsciously clench your teeth when you're awake (awake bruxism) or clench or grind them during sleep (sleep bruxism). Sleep bruxism is considered a sleep-related movement disorder.
In dreams, the grinding of teeth is a physical representation of a personal situation, in other words, showing how you feel. Anxiety and stress can also be symbolized by teeth cracking, crumbling, or even falling out.
Teeth grinding (also called bruxism) is often related to stress or anxiety. There are things you can do to help and treatments available from a dentist or GP.
Listening to music, taking a warm bath or exercising can help you relax and may reduce your risk of developing bruxism. Avoid stimulating substances in the evening. Don't drink caffeinated coffee or caffeinated tea after dinner and avoid alcohol during the evening, as they may worsen bruxism.
While sleep apnea and teeth grinding can occur independently, they are closely related conditions. This means if you treat one problem, the other may improve as well. Some people immediately pursue a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to help them breathe at night.
Sleep bruxism was associated with vitamin D deficiency and low consumption of calcium and was also associated with increased scores of anxiety and depression. Further investigations should be performed to check if vitamin D and calcium supplementation could relieve sleep bruxism.
You'll be less likely to clench or grind your teeth during sleep when lying on your back. The worst position to sleep in if you have TMJ or related disorders is on your stomach. Sleeping on your side with your arm under your head is a close second-worst sleeping position.
Jaw Joint Stretch
Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth, behind your teeth. Then use your tongue to push your top teeth forward and, while doing that, slowly open your mouth, stretching those tight jaw muscles. Stop doing this when you feel pain. You can repeat this ten times.
Stress, lifestyle habits, medications, medical conditions and occlusion are major contributors to grinding.
Bruxism is an under-recognised adverse drug reaction particularly associated with use of antipsychotics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. A recent systematic review of case reports found it was most commonly reported with fluoxetine, venlafaxine and sertraline.
The link between stress/anxiety and jaw pain
Stress may subconsciously contribute to us clenching more frequently than usual, which creates more pressure within the jaw (or temporomandibular joints). Over time, this can lead to poor control of the muscles responsible for opening and closing the mouth.
Sleep bruxism was associated with vitamin D deficiency and low consumption of calcium and was also associated with increased scores of anxiety and depression. Further investigations should be performed to check if vitamin D and calcium supplementation could relieve sleep bruxism.
It is predominantly a childhood problem but research has shown that the problem can persist into adulthood with different consequences. Teeth grinding has been associated with ADHD. Teeth grinding happens involuntarily and can be experienced alongside problems such as stress, anxiety and hyperactivity.
For example, people who grind their teeth generally report more anxiety and depression symptoms than those who don't grind, and teeth grinders (or “bruxers”), also tend to be more stressed and suffer from clinical depression and anxiety disorders.
And while typical “bruxers” generally only grind at night, research suggests that patients suffering from PTSD exhibit bruxing habits throughout the day and night in direct response to emotional distress and anxiety attacks.
The most telling signs of teeth grinding include headaches, disrupted sleep, increased tooth sensitivity, TMJ discomfort, and consistent jaw, ear, or neck pain, especially right after waking up.
An estimated 3 out of 10 kids grind their teeth before reaching age 5. It's usually no cause for alarm, and most children outgrow it by the time they reach age 6.
Grinding or bruxism involves moving the jaw with the teeth held together. This results in substantial visible wear and flattening of the teeth which is usually obvious both to dentist and patient. Clenching is simply holding the teeth together and tightening the jaw muscles.
What causes bruxism? Oral health specialists often point to too much stress and certain personality types as causes of bruxism. Bruxism often affects people with nervous tension, such as anger, pain, or frustration. It also affects people with aggressive, hurried, or overly competitive tendencies.
Grinding and clenching teeth while you sleep are issues often related to stress or anxiety. Even though you may not have symptoms of TMD, like facial pain or headaches, or be aware that you are even doing it, these behaviors can wear down your teeth over time. You need to address them early.