Teeth grinding (bruxism)

What is teeth grinding?

Nocturnal grinding (known as bruxism) is a common condition. Most people who grind their teeth while sleeping are quite unaware of it and only find out because their sleeping partners complain of the noise.

A dentist will be able to discover whether the habit is causing any damage to the enamel of your teeth. Unfortunately, enamel cannot grow back so any damage done is permanent, although modern dental treatments can help to repair it. In most cases, bruxism doesn't cause much damage to tooth enamel.

Symptoms

It's important to tell the dentist about any other dental or facial symptoms, especially waking with an aching jaw, or if you have a clicking jaw joint.

Causes and risk factors

The causes are varied but stress plays a part in the vast majority of cases. Less frequently there's a problem with the top and bottom teeth coming together (called an occlusal discrepancy).

If the grinding has been going on for some time, the teeth may be ground down so far they all fit together very well.

Treatment and recovery

There are two approaches to treatment:

• To break the habit, your dentist may fit a plastic night-time dental appliance that you wear like a gum shield to prevent the top and bottom teeth locking together.
• Treatments aimed at reducing stress will help stop the problem - these range from counselling to destressing therapies, muscle relaxants and even tranquillisers.