Dr. Preethi Bhat

Occasional teeth clenching is fairly common disorder among adults and children throughout the world. But if the teeth grinding occurs repeatedly, it can cause significant damage to your teeth or gums (with chances of potential tooth loss) and overall dental hygiene. Furthermore, recurrent episodes of bruxism might cause other serious complications such as severe headaches, facial pain or disorders in the temporomandibular joints (located in the forepart of the ear).

According to recent studies, 15-33% of children tend to grind their teeth while they develop their first few pairs and generally stop with the gradual development of adult teeth. In adults, this disorder might occur as an involuntary response, completely unbeknownst to the concerned individual.

Causes-

The most likely causes of bruxism are as follows:

1. According to the doctors, in 70% of the adults, repressed stress or anxiety might result in teeth grinding while you are sleeping.

2. Bruxism might also occur as a result of excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeine, sleeping pills, tobacco, and selected anti-depressants.

3. Bruxism might also occur due to depression and the sheer competitive nature in certain individuals.

4. Bruxism might also occur due to a serious disorder such as Parkinson ’s disease.

5. Bruxism might also occur as an axillary of other sleep related disorders such as excessive snoring, sleep apnoea, etc.

6. If you have an irregular structural alignment among the upper and lower sets of teeth, Bruxism is more likely to occur.

7. In children, Bruxism might occur as a response from to pain in the ear or tooth.

Treatments-

The following treatments can be implemented to treat permanent instances of bruxism:

1. If it is caused by severe stress and anxiety, stress management therapies can be very useful to prevent Bruxism.

2. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth while you are asleep, you can consult your doctor to provide you with mouth guards.

3. Regulated consumption of alcohol, tobacco might help prevent Bruxism if it is caused by a side effect of either one of them. Likewise, if the disorder occurs due to a side effect of antidepressants or any other psychiatric medications, you must consult your doctor to change the particular medication.

4. You can also opt for Dental correction procedures like night guard if the reason of the disorder is the misalignment of the upper and lower teeth or other related dental complications. A custom fit night guard will not only safeguard your comfort, but improve the quality of your smile as well.

5. Although medications are not common, muscle relaxants (for a certain period of time) or Botox injections are prescribed by doctors when the patient does not respond to other forms of treatments. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a dentist.