Health

Teeth grinding is clinically referred to as bruxism. Simply defined, it is the act of consciously or unconsciously clenching your teeth either during the day or while you sleep. Bruxism is considered both a medical and a dental problem. This is because it affects both the teeth and all of the structure near it, including the head.

Teeth grinding usually happen during sleep. Have you ever had a roommate or a sleeping partner that snores? Well you might have had one that grinds their teeth in their sleep as well. Teeth grinding is as common as snoring. However, unlike snoring, teeth grinding sounds are a little on the low side, although it can be as bothersome as well.

Teeth grinding happens in kids too. Some parents might find it disturbing to hear their child grinding their teeth in their sleep. While it is really not as big of a problem for kids as it is for adults, it is still proper to bring your child to a dentist so that their teeth are checked. Children normally outgrow their teeth grinding habits.

Kids usually outgrow teeth grinding because their teeth are not yet permanent. Eventually, their baby teeth will be replaced with a permanent set that’s stronger, better, and more aligned.

However, the same can’t be said for adults. Adult teeth are permanent and will not change any longer. Therefore, adults should watch out for the complications of teeth grinding.

Teeth grinding, although it is not a major health issue, can bring about problems like mouth, jaw, and face problems, broken dentures, missing teeth, and many others. It is very important for adults to consult a dentist so that their teeth grinding habit is addressed before any further problems develop.

One will only know if he or she suffers from bruxism if the symptoms of teeth grinding appear. The symptoms of this condition vary greatly with the cause. Some or all of the symptoms may appear. So, if your roommate tells you that you clench your teeth in your sleep, don’t put it aside. Consult your dentist right away.

Dentists are bruxism’s first line of experts. They are the people who can confirm whether you are participating in teeth grinding or not. To know for sure, dentists perform a series of checks and exams with their patients. Teeth grinding diagnosis is usually performed inside the dental clinic.

Once the dentist had determined that you suffer from bruxism, he would prescribe a cure for you. Teeth grinding cures are dependent upon the main cause of the habit. If your dentist believes that your teeth grinding habit is the direct result of stress, then he might refer you to a psychiatrist for a series of behavioral therapies to help eliminate the habit.

If the problem is due to the alignment of the teeth itself, it is possible that the same dentist will create you a customized mouth night guard for tooth and enamel protection.

If it so happens that you are suffering from severe complications of teeth grinding like jaw problems, he could refer you to a doctor to address the symptoms. Once the complications are all taken care of, the dentist can perform the treatment procedure required to eliminate teeth grinding.