How To Stop Teeth Grinding
Bruxism
Excessive grinding of the teeth or bruxism occurs when patients unconsciously clench their jaw and grind their teeth. It is possible for this to happen when patients are both awake and they are sleeping. Bruxism is a relatively common condition which is typically more prevalent in children than adults. An estimated 10% of all adults have some type of bruxism.
It is perfectly normal for patients to grind their teeth or clench their jaws every once in a while. In most cases, this does not cause damage. In cases where the condition is more frequent and chronic, it can have a negative impact on the patient’s oral health. It can also cause issues with the patient’s ability to sleep.
Treatment
There are various ways patients can work to prevent and address the effects of bruxism. A summary of treatments commonly used to stop bruxism are summarized in more detail below:
- Medication: One possible cause of bruxism is side effects from certain medications. Patients who take medications can work with their medical provider and do their own research to determine if bruxism is a possible side effect. Patients should work with their doctor to determine if possible, to modify the prescription or use another medication which reduces their risk of bruxism. Patients should avoid making any changes to medication without the oversight of a medical professional.
- Underlying Conditions: Certain underlying health conditions can also be the culprit for bruxism. It may be a symptom which can be stopped when the underlying condition is addressed. Underlying issues such as obstructive sleep apnea and other types of sleep disorders can result in bruxism. Patients with bruxism caused by stress can work on techniques for stress reduction. This can aid in helping patients stop grinding their teeth in their sleep.
- Lifestyle and Diet: Bruxism can also be associated with certain foods which cause poor sleep or digestion. It can be productive for patients to reduce or eliminate these foods altogether. This can include things such as energy drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, alcohol, and anything with high sugar content. Recreational drugs and tobacco products should also be eliminated as they can damage the patient’s ability to sleep. It is productive and beneficial for patients to focus on eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet and making healthy lifestyle choices.
- Night Guard: Various dental devices can be used to help prevent damage from chronic bruxism. In some cases, these devices even aim to treat the condition. The two types of dental devices used for bruxism include occlusal or bite splints and mandibular advancement devices (MADs).
- Bite splints or mouth guards are commonly used to protect the teeth from damage of bruxism. In most cases, these consist of two custom molded plates which are placed over the teeth during sleep.
- MADs open the airway and move the jaw forward while patients are sleeping.
- Improved Sleep Habits: Patients who grind their teeth while sleeping due to interruption or poor sleep habits should work to improve their sleep hygiene. This can include various things such as maintaining a sleep schedule, minimizing the use of screens before bed, staying active during the day, and having a routine to prepare the mind and body for bed.
Call the office today to discuss your concerns about grinding or bruxism. The dental team can work with you to help stop your bruxism and prevent long-term issues.