Teeth Grinding

What is Teeth Grinding?

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) is the grinding or clenching of your teeth. Bruxism can occur in both adults and children. The causes of bruxism are not completely known to doctors, but factors such as alcohol, stress, anxiety, cigarette smoking, sleep apnea, snoring and fatigue may be linked to it. This can also occur during sleep (sleep bruxism).

How does Bruxism affect children?

In children teeth grinding is common amongst young children. This can be caused by allergies, misaligned teeth, enlarged tonsils and adenoids or mouth irritations. This generally goes away by the time they hit their teens.

Severe Bruxism

If a person has severe bruxism it could lead to tooth, jaw or crown damage, tension headaches, facial pain and TMJ type disorders that sound like clicking when you open or close your mouth.

Your dentist can make some suggestions based your situation. Some treatment options that they could come up with could be splints, mouth guards or dental correction. They may suggest you see your primary care physician or a sleep specialist if necessary.