Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding (bruxism) is involuntary clenching, grinding and gnashing of the teeth. It is thought that about half of the population bruxes from time to time, while around five per cent are habitual and forceful tooth grinders. It generally happens during sleep, but some people experience it when they are awake.

Bruxism can be a physical expression of stress; for example, susceptible people may tend to grind their teeth when they are angry, concentrating hard on a particular task or feeling anxious.

Generally, the person doesn’t realise that they grind their teeth in their sleep. The spouse or partner who shares their bed (and hears the grinding noises at night) is often the first to notice the problem.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of bruxism include:

• Audible grinding sounds while the person is asleep
• Headache, jaw joint and/or ear pain
• Aching teeth, particularly upon waking
• Aching and/or stiffness of the face and temples upon waking
• Aching or stiffness in the jaws while chewing, particularly during breakfast
• Clenching the jaw when angry, anxious or concentrating
• Temperature-sensitive teeth
• Cracked or chipped tooth enamel
• Tooth indentations on the tongue
• Raised tissue on the cheek mucosa caused by cheek biting (linea alba)
• Mobile teeth.

Complications of bruxism

Teeth grinding can cause a range of dental problems, which may include:

• Cracked tooth enamel
• Excessive wear and tear on the teeth
• Broken teeth or restorations
• Strain on the joints and soft tissue of the jaw joint (temporo-mandibular joint)
• Temporo-mandibular disorder
• Tooth loss (rarely)
• Enlargement of the jaw muscles (rarely).

A range of causes

Some of the many factors believed to trigger bruxism in susceptible people include:

• Emotional stress, such as anger or anxiety
• Mental concentration
• Physical effort or stress, such as illness, nutritional deficiency or dehydration
• Incorrect tooth alignment, including fillings that are too ‘high’
• Drug misuse (particularly amphetamines)
• Eruption of teeth (babies and children).

Diagnosis

If you suspect you grind your teeth, see your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will examine your teeth and may take x-rays to gauge the severity of the problem and the damage to teeth and bone.

Dental treatment

You should consult your dental professional for their recommended course of treatment. Dental treatment options include:

• Repair of tooth damage
• Adjustment of fillings that may be too high and interfering with the bite (not adjustment of teeth)
• Mouth appliances to be worn at night (bite splints), so that you grind the appliance and not your teeth. In most cases, these appliances will only provide relief from the associated symptoms and will not stop you from grinding your teeth.

Other treatments

Other treatments that may help to manage teeth grinding include:

• Stress management therapy
• Relaxation techniques
• Cognitive behaviour therapy
• Regular exercise
• Muscle relaxant medication.

Where to get help

• Your dentist
• Dental specialist
• Psychologist, to help with stress management
• Dental Health Services Victoria Hotline Tel. 1300 360 054 – for information about public dental services

Things to remember

• Teeth grinding (bruxism) is involuntary clenching, grinding and gnashing of the teeth that usually happens during sleep.
• Causes can include stress, concentration, incorrect tooth alignment and drug misuse.
• Treatments include bite splints (to be worn at night), repair of tooth damage, muscle relaxant medication and stress management therapy.

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Last reviewed: February 2011

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<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Teeth_grinding?open">Teeth grinding - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is involuntary clenching, grinding and gnashing of the teeth. It generally happens during sleep, but some people experience it when they are awake. Symptoms may include headache, jaw joint or ear pain, aching teeth, cracked or chipped tooth enamel and mobile (loose) teeth.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

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