It’s no secret that we all want to maintain good oral hygiene. We brush and floss our teeth regularly, use mouthwash and visit the dentist for check-ups.

But what if there’s a surprising way you’re causing damage to your teeth every night without even realizing it?.

The Culprit: Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding or bruxism as it’s medically known, is a condition where you grind, clench or gnash your teeth either during the day or at night when you’re sleeping.

It’s estimated that about 10% of adults experience bruxism, with most being unaware of it, especially when it occurs during their sleep.

The condition ranges in severity from occasional clenching during stressful situations to more severe grinding which causes damage to the teeth, jaw joint and can lead to other health complications.

Why Does Teeth Grinding Occur?

The exact cause of bruxism is still unknown, but several factors can contribute to it. Some of these factors include:.

Stress: Anxiety, stress and tension are some of the primary causes of teeth grinding. If you’re experiencing any of these, you’re more likely to grind your teeth at night unconsciously.
Malocclusion: If your teeth don’t align correctly, your muscles work harder, which may lead to bruxism.
Sleep Apnea: People who suffer from sleep apnea are more likely to grind their teeth at night.
Lifestyle: Smoking, alcohol, caffeine consumption and recreational drug use can all contribute to sleep bruxism.

The Effects of Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding can lead to several short-term and long-term effects on your oral health, including:.

Tooth Damage: Continuous grinding can wear down your teeth enamel, which can lead to tooth sensitivity and decay.
Jaw Pain: Bruxism exerts additional pressure on the jaw muscles, which can cause tenderness, pain and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.
Headaches: Grinding can cause pain and tenderness in the head, neck and ear regions, which can lead to frequent headaches.
Sleep Disorders: Those who suffer from severe bruxism may experience sleep apnea, snoring or other sleep disorders that can affect overall health and wellbeing.
TMJ Disorder: Teeth grinding can cause a disorder in the jaw joint, which can lead to discomfort, clicking sounds, and difficulty chewing, talking or opening the mouth.

What You Can Do To Stop Grinding Your Teeth

If you suspect that you may be suffering from bruxism, it’s vital to consult your dentist. They’ll likely conduct a physical examination of your teeth, jaw, face and neck to determine the severity of the condition.

They may also recommend a sleep study or refer you to a sleep specialist if they suspect that it’s related to sleep apnea.

Several treatment options are available for teeth grinding, some of which include:.

Mouthguards: Your dentist may recommend a custom-made mouthguard to protect your teeth from grinding damage.
Botox injections: In severe cases, Botox injections can be used to relax the jaw muscles.
Stress Management: Regular exercise, meditation, yoga, and other relaxation techniques can help reduce stress and tension, which can alleviate bruxism.
Dental Work: In severe cases, your dentist may recommend dental work to correct any malocclusion issues that may be causing the problem.

Conclusion

Teeth grinding can cause severe damage to your oral health if left untreated. Now that you know the surprising way you’re damaging your teeth every night, it’s essential to take necessary steps to prevent it from occurring.

Consult your dentist if you have any concerns, practice good oral hygiene and make lifestyle changes that reduce stress and tension.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure.