While estimates vary by source, the Sleep Foundation estimates that approximately 15% of children and adolescents, 8% of middle-age persons, and 3% of seniors grind their teeth. This usually subconscious habit, called bruxism, can have significant negative effects on oral health.
In this article, we at Dr. Helen Ragsdale’s dental office in Austin, TX, will explain:
- The harm bruxism causes
- Why people brux
- How to stop the habit
- Who can help you
Do you brux? Most often, a parent or spouse overhears a loved one grinding their teeth during the night. In some cases, a dentist notices worn, damaged molars during a checkup and identifies the patient as a bruxer. Treating the condition is imperative to maintaining strong, healthy teeth and gums.
The Harm Bruxism Causes
The human mouth exerts approximately 250 pounds of pressure when biting or clenching. And though tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, intense pressure routinely exerted on teeth will cause them to chip, crack, become sensitive. As you can imagine, dental work can also incur damage.
Patients may wake in the morning with a sore jaw, and ultimately they may develop temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ/TMD. Additionally, gingivitis or periodontitis may worsen as soft tissues are affected by recurring clenching and grinding.
Obstructive sleep apnea is connected to bruxism as well, though researchers are still studying the cause of the association.
And not only the bruxer is at risk. Studies show that roommates who hear someone bruxing during the night can lose sleep, which causes serious quality of life issues like daytime drowsiness, inability to focus, accidents, and other problems.
Why People Clench and Grind Their Teeth
Stress and anxiety can cause bruxism, both during the nighttime and the daytime. The condition may also be genetic; half of bruxers have a relative who also clenches and grinds their teeth. While researchers are still connecting the dots, people who consume tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, and those who snore have a higher incidence of bruxism.
How to Stop Bruxing
To preserve your oral health, comfortable jaw function, and the sleep quality of both you and your roommates, bruxism must be treated. The most common and effective option is also non-invasive. A sleep guard, which is an oral appliance worn during sleep, keeps bottom teeth from contacting top teeth, thus eliminating any risk of clenching and grinding.
Stress reduction activities like yoga, meditation, listening to soothing music, and taking a warm bath may quell anxiety and thus reduce the risk of bruxing. Also, avoid repetitive chewing, such gum chewing and nibbling on pen caps. These activities place additional stress on jaw muscles.
One more consideration: if your bite is imbalanced, which we call malocclusion, you may also need orthodontic braces or restoration of molars to establish proper occlusion and reduce stress on your jaws.
Dr. Ragsdale Can Help You
Don’t let bruxism wreak havoc on your health. If you have been told or suspect that you clench and grind your teeth, call Dr. Helen Ragsdale at Austin Laser Dentist today to reserve your consultation. Contact us online or call 512-346-4690 today!
