You may be surprised to know that bruxism (or teeth grinding) is a common issue which affects many people at some point in life, even if they don’t realise it. Most of the time it’s not a problem and goes away on its own — particularly if brought on by temporary circumstances such as illness, medication or stress. But left untreated, bruxism can cause serious health issues in the long term.

Over time, teeth grinding is known to cause headaches, facial myalgia (muscle pain in the face and jaw), ear aches, sleep disruptions, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (also known as TMJ) and chips or breaks to the teeth due to excessive wear. If you’ve been experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to find out why you’re experiencing bruxism and how to stop teeth grinding now. It’s best to protect your teeth before long term damage is done. Here’s what you can do to about it.

Addressing the underlying cause of bruxism

Your orthodontist can assess the condition of your teeth and recommend the best way to tackle bruxism, but before considering treatment options it’s worth investigating any underlying cause. Some conditions which are commonly associated with bruxism include: 

• Sleep disorders

Sleep apnea and parasomnias are often the culprit of involuntary teeth grinding during sleep.

• Stress

Repetitive muscle movements and tension are often triggered by stressful situations such as exams, moving house, aggression and conflict or relationship problems. In most cases it is temporary, but in some individuals it can become a habitual behaviour to cope with stress.

• Medications and stimulants

Some medications and stimulants (including caffeine) can cause tension and clenching of the jaw and grinding of the teeth. 

• Mal-alignment of the teeth and jaw

When the upper and lower teeth do not meet evenly, some people unconsciously grind their teeth to flatten their surface and make things more comfortable. This can also happen after having fillings that are not filed down enough, and feel as though they’re too high for you to bite down evenly.

• Dehydration

Lack of saliva can lead to irritation and worsen the urge to grind teeth.

• Illness

Bruxism can be a symptom of underlying medical conditions, such as ear infections or temporomandibular disorders (TMJ/TMD).

• Age

Babies tend to gnash their teeth while they are teething, as do children as a reaction to the soreness associated with losing baby teeth and developing adult ones. Usually the habit disappears as they get older, but if the behaviour continues then intervention may be required.

Grinding teeth — remedies to try at home

Bruxism is often caused by a combination of issues rather than any single factor. That’s why many patients find it effective to complement their treatment with some simple teeth grinding remedies they can use at home. Sometimes, trying these first can reduce or eliminate the need for more intensive therapy or treatment. 

Sorting out your sleep

If you’re a night-grinder, setting healthy sleep patterns will go a long way to avoiding the risk of anxiousness and unintentional clenching or grinding during sleep. Avoiding stimulants such as coffee or energy drinks in the afternoon and evening is integral if you wish to re-establish a healthy sleep pattern.

Assess your medication

Where bruxism has resulted from taking certain prescription medications, visit your doctor for advice on whether switching medications is an option.

Learn to relax

Taking some time each day to practise relaxation techniques can significantly reduce the muscle tension in your body, which makes it an excellent remedy for those who grind their teeth when stressed. Don’t be put off just because yoga and meditation is not your thing; you can get the same relaxing simply by doing something you enjoy, which allows you to switch off for a while. Turning off your digital devices and taking a bath, cooking, or having some quiet time listening to music are great ways to soothe the stress.

How to stop teeth grinding ― treatment options

After eliminating any causes for bruxism which are able to be remedied, your orthodontist may suggest some of the following options for treatment.

• Filing down teeth

Sometimes all that’s needed to stop teeth grinding is to smooth the surface of your bite and make your mouth more comfortable.

• Wearing a bite splint

These are a popular, effective and painless remedy to teeth grinding. Resembling a clear plastic mouthguard, they are fitted over the top and bottom teeth to separate them and protect them from the damage done by grinding.

• Medication

In cases of severe bruxism, it may be recommended that a patient take a muscle relaxant before bed. While this can be an effective way of minimising movement in the jaw during sleep, it doesn’t address the problem in the long term and is usually considered only as a last resort.

• Behavioural and relaxation therapy

Your orthodontist may refer you to a psychologist to help treat bruxism. They can assist you in recognising times when you grind your teeth, and provide you with stress-busting relaxation techniques to avoid excess tension.

Do you suspect you might suffer from bruxism — or experience its telltale symptoms of headaches, muscle pain and tension in your jaw? Book a consultation at Inner West Orthodontics today for advice on which teeth grinding remedies and treatments are right for you.