Are you concerned that your child might be teeth grinding at night? Dr Andrew Gikas, a dentist specialising in sleep and bruxism and the relationship between good oral health and sleep health is here with expert tips on what to do.
Have you ever woken up with a sore jaw or noticed heightened sensitivity in your teeth? Or has a dentist commented on a cracked tooth or teeth when you don’t remember them cracking on anything challenging you were eating? These could be tell-tale signs of bruxism, or teeth grinding, a medical condition characterized by the mouth’s muscle activity resulting in grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth.
Bruxism is relatively common, affecting both children and adults. Estimates suggest that approximately 8% to 31% of the general population experiences bruxism at some point in their lives. However, the prevalence can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, and underlying health conditions.
Bruxism is particularly common in children, with studies suggesting that up to 38% of children experience it – that’s almost one in four kids. While many children outgrow it, some may continue to grind their teeth into adulthood.
Among adults, the prevalence of bruxism tends to decrease with age, with studies indicating that around 5% to 20% of adults are affected.
Are you a teeth grinder?
Questions to ask yourself to see if you’re a grinder: do you catch yourself clenching your teeth during the day or experiencing jaw discomfort upon waking? Are your teeth showing signs of wear and tear, are the tips of the teeth flattened with shiny wear facets, do they chip or crack regularly, or do you frequently hear clicking or popping noises when chewing? If you answered yes to any of these, you might be grinding your teeth without even realising it. Or your partner may comment that you make noises with your mouth whilst asleep.
Who’s most vulnerable?
While bruxism can affect anyone, certain factors may heighten your risk:
- Age: although more prevalent in children, bruxism can persist into adulthood.
- Stress levels: high stress or anxiety levels can exacerbate teeth grinding.
- Personality traits: people with Type A personalities or aggressive tendencies may be more susceptible to bruxism.
- Lifestyle factors: smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and caffeine intake can increase the likelihood of bruxism.
Recognising the signs of teeth grinding
Bruxism often exhibits various signs and symptoms, including:
Teeth grinding: It happens both during the day (awake bruxism) and/or at night (sleep bruxism), the latter being more prevalent. It starts with a feeling of pressure in the jaws, face or temples and is often accompanied by a grating or grinding noise when the teeth rub against each other as the jaw moves from side to side or clamps closed.
Facial discomfort: Persistent jaw pain or tenderness may signify habitual clenching or grinding.
Tooth sensitivity: Over time, bruxism can erode enamel, leading to heightened sensitivity to temperature and sweet stimuli.
Headaches: Grinding strains facial and head muscles, frequently resulting in tension headaches, particularly in the mornings.
Dental damage: Bruxism can cause teeth to fracture, chip, or flatten, necessitating dental intervention for restoration such as crowns and implants.
Unravelling the triggers for teeth grinding
Though the exact cause of bruxism isn’t always straightforward, several factors may contribute:
- Stress and anxiety: emotional stress or anxiety can trigger teeth grinding, particularly during sleep.
- Medications: certain medications, notably antidepressants, can heighten the risk of teeth grinding.
- Lifestyle choices: alcohol consumption, smoking, illicit drug and caffeine intake can exacerbate bruxism symptoms.
- Sleep disorders: bruxism is often linked with other sleep disturbances like sleep apnoea (prolonged periods of not breathing whilst asleep) and insomnia.
Understanding the impact of bruxism
While bruxism may appear to be a minor inconvenience, its consequences can be more profound than meets the eye and include:
- Dental deterioration: over time, bruxism can wear down tooth enamel, leading to cavities, fractures, or even tooth loss.
- TMJ Disorders: chronic grinding can strain the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) in the jaw (these are the two joints that connect the lower jaw to your skull, sliding and rotating in front of each ear), resulting in pain and dysfunction.
- Sleep interruption: sleep bruxism can disrupt sleep patterns, causing daytime fatigue.
- Reduced quality of life: facial pain, headaches and dental issues can significantly diminish well-being.
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Assessing treatment costs for teeth grinding
The expense of treating bruxism varies based on severity and treatment options.
- Dental procedures: Restorative treatments like dental bonding, crowns, or veneers may be required, and they can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars per tooth.
- Night guards: Custom-fitted night guards can safeguard teeth during sleep. Depending on the materials and level of customization, they typically cost between $300 and $800.
- Therapy and relaxation techniques: counselling or stress management methods may aid in addressing underlying stress contributing to bruxism. If successful, these may eradicate bruxing altogether.
- Medical Interventions: in severe cases, medications or therapies for underlying sleep disorders or TMJ dysfunction may be necessary, adding to overall costs.
Though bruxism may seem like a harmless habit, its impact on dental health and overall well-being can be substantial. If you suspect you’re grinding your teeth, consult your dentist without delay.
All general dentists are trained to identify signs of early wear and tear and check in with patients about their potential risk factors. Early intervention, awareness and suitable treatment can preserve your teeth and alleviate associated symptoms, ensuring a healthier smile and more restful sleep.
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