Do You Grind Your Teeth?

SadaNews - Many people may grind their teeth or clench their jaws tightly, day or night, without realizing it. This condition, medically known as bruxism, is more common than some might think and can cause bothersome health issues if it persists for long periods.

According to a report published on The Conversation, oral health experts indicate that there are 3 indirect signs that may alert someone to this habit, even before the patient or their sleep partner notices it.

Experts recommend asking the following questions to oneself at least once a week:

- Do you feel pain or stiffness in the temples, face, jaw, or near the ear?

- Do you experience pain when opening your mouth or while chewing?

- Do you hear a popping sound in your jaw, or feel that it "locks up" or gets stuck sometimes?

Answering "yes" to any of these questions may indicate that you are suffering from teeth grinding or clenching, even if you are not aware of it.

Teeth grinding occurs involuntarily, as the chewing muscles contract forcefully, pushing the lower jaw forward or tightening, causing the teeth to rub against each other. Estimates suggest that about one in six people grinds their teeth while sleeping, while one in four experiences it during waking hours.

In mild and intermittent cases, teeth grinding does not cause significant problems. However, when it becomes frequent or severe, it may lead to:

- Tooth wear or cracking

- Pain in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles

- Tension headaches or ear pain

- Sleep disturbances

Over time, these issues can become painful and costly in terms of treatment.

Why Do We Grind Our Teeth?

The cause is often a mix of psychological and physical factors and lifestyle. The risk of teeth grinding increases in people who suffer from stress, anxiety, or depression, or who are on certain psychiatric medications, or who excessively consume caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol, or who have sleep disorders.

There is also a strong link between teeth grinding and sleep apnea, as low oxygen levels trigger the release of stress hormones that stimulate muscle contractions that may increase grinding.

Often, a dentist can detect signs of grinding by examining the teeth and gums, such as abnormal wear, cracked fillings, or white marks inside the cheeks, or grooves on the edges of the tongue. The dentist may also ask about headaches, jaw pain, and sleep quality.

Experts affirm that teeth grinding is a treatable condition. This may include: using a night guard to protect the teeth and reduce muscle pressure, physical therapy for the jaw muscles and joints, addressing underlying causes such as stress or sleep disorders, and in some cases, "Botox" injections may be used to relieve jaw muscle spasms, but this is not a permanent solution and does not suit everyone.

In conclusion, if you suspect that you grind your teeth, consulting a doctor or dentist is the first step. However, treatment is not limited to alleviating symptoms only but also includes addressing the causes, such as reducing stress, improving sleep habits, and limiting stimulants. These simple changes may protect you from pain and spare you from complicated and costly treatments in the future.