Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is often viewed as a
harmless, though annoying, habit. Some people develop bruxism from an inability
to deal with stress or anxiety.
However, teeth grinding can literally transform your bite
relationship and worse, severely damage your teeth and jaws over long periods
of time.
Teeth grinding can cause abrasion to the chewing surfaces of
your teeth. This abnormal wear and tear will prematurely age and loosen your
teeth, and open them to problems such as hypersensitivity (from the small
cracks that form, exposing your dentin). Bruxism can also lead to chronic jaw
and facial pain, as well as headaches.
If no one has told you that you grind your teeth, here are a few
clues that you may suffer from bruxism:
- Your jaw is often sore, or you hear popping sounds when
you open and close your mouth. - Your teeth look abnormally short or worn down.
- You notice small dents in your tongue.
Bruxism is somewhat treatable. A common therapy involves use of
a special appliance worn while sleeping. Less intrusive, though just as
effective methods could involve biofeedback, and behavior modification, such as
tongue exercises and learning how to properly align your tongue, teeth and
lips.