There are many reasons why you may be experiencing jaw clenching and tooth grinding, often during sleep or even when you are awake, but unaware you are doing this.
As the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine points out, this is known as bruxism
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bruxism, and the consequences can be significant, including:
- Ground down tops of teeth in the back half used for chewing, as well as flattening of biting teeth in the front half.
- Cracked or chipped teeth.
- Teeth that have become very sensitive because the outside hard surface of enamel and even the second protective layer called dentin have been worn down.
- Abrasion of teeth so that the roots are exposed.
- Dislocation or locking of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) that connect the upper and lower jaws.
- Damage to the inside of the cheeks.
Other symptoms can include facial pain, tense jaw muscles, headaches, or a clicking sound when you open or close your mouth (indicating the TMJ hinges are dislocated--you can feel them if you put your fingers in front of the bottom of the earlobe and trying opening and closing your mouth). Your dentist can diagnose this after a thorough examination.
What causes jaw clenching and tooth grinding? Oral health experts say studies show that those most prone to this have personalities that are prone to anxiousness, fear, frustration, anger, and aggressiveness. The likelihood of clenching and grinding rises with age.
We can reposition your TMJ, repair damaged teeth to restore a healthy bite, teach you relaxation exercises, and create a customized mouthguard to wear while you sleep to avoid further damage.
In some cases, we may refer you for biofeedback, which measures tension and can help you become aware of the need to relax. Others may need a prescription for medication to regulate brain neurotransmitters that might be causing this.
If you believe you may be suffering from bruxism or a dislocated TMJ, call us to set an appointment to have the underlying problem diagnosed.
