Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Teeth grinding, commonly known as bruxism, is frequently linked to worry or stress. You can take steps to assist, and a dentist or general practitioner may be able to treat you.
Symptoms of crushing one’s teeth
Both while you are awake and asleep, teeth grinding is possible.
Other symptoms can include:
- Shoulder, neck, and facial pains
- Jaw discomfort that may develop into TMJ disorder (TMD)
- Teeth that are worn down or fractured can lead to greater sensitivity and the loss of fillings and teeth
- Headaches
- Earache
- Disrupted sleep
Teeth grinding causes
Sometimes it’s unclear why people grind their teeth.
It frequently involves:
- Stress and anxiety are the main factors that lead to tooth grinding.
- Sleep issues, including sleep apnea and snoring
- Taking specific medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, a kind of antidepressant (SSRI)
- Using tobacco, excessive amounts of alcohol and caffeine, and substances like ecstasy and cocaine
- Children and teenagers frequently grind their teeth, especially as they sleep. It often ends when they reach adulthood, and their adult teeth erupt
How to stop chewing your teeth
If you grind your teeth, there are several things you can do that can be helpful.
Do
- Discover ways to unwind, such as through frequent exercise, listening to music, and breathing techniques.
- Improve your sleep quality by maintaining a routine of getting into bed at the same time period every night, unwinding before bed, and ensuring that your bedroom is quiet and dark.
- If you experience jaw pain or swelling, try pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- To alleviate jaw discomfort or swelling, apply an ice pack for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Have routine dental examinations
Don’t
- Stay away from smoking
- Limit your alcohol consumption
- Avoid using drugs like cocaine or ecstasy
- Avoid chewing gum and eating hard foods if you experience tooth or jaw pain
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 30 September 2022