How to Prevent Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding or bruxism is the clenching
or grinding of teeth, conscious or unconscious. It happens mostly among
children, with about 30 percent of them grinding, mostly while sleeping.
Children can also grind their teeth during the day when they are stressed or
anxious. Fortunately, most of them will stop grinding their teeth, usually
around the time that they lose their deciduous or baby teeth.
Symptoms
of Teeth Grinding
Physical symptoms are mostly related to the
teeth and jaw. The teeth can be chipped or look worn down, which can expose
children to dental issues in the future if left untreated like sensitivity to
cold and hot food and beverages. A child who grinds their teeth also complain
of a sore jaw upon waking up or when chewing. Teeth grinding can lead to facial
pain, earaches and headaches, as well as TMJ (temporomandibular joint)
problems.
Bruxism can also be linked to emotional
symptoms like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, stress and tension. Some
people grind their teeth without any symptoms; they might not be aware that
they do it, especially when they do so while they are asleep. In some cases,
the only way for a person to know that they grind their teeth is when a family
member hears them do so while they are sleeping.
Causes
of Teeth Grinding
The causes of teeth grinding are now
exactly known. Among children, bruxism is commonly diagnosed with a
hyperactivity disorder or health issue like cerebral palsy. Bruxism can also be
caused by certain medications and misaligned teeth. Among adults, it can liked
to daily stress. Its symptoms can depend on several things, including the level
of stress, ability to relax, sleeping habits and teeth alignment.
Diagnosing
Teeth Grinding
A physical exam can already tell a dentist
or any healthcare provider that the patient grinds their teeth. The doctor will
notice the teeth and enamel has an apparent worn out appearance. Medical
professionals mostly consider teeth grinding as a diagnosis if their patient
complaints of any oral or facial pain, as well as soreness during chewing.
Also, an exam can rule out other possible causes of these symptoms like ear
infections.
Preventing
Teeth Grinding
Among children, teeth grinding is
considered as a natural reaction to growth and development, which cannot be
prevented. Those that are stress-related, however, can be avoided. Consider
setting a calming bedtime routine by limiting television and electronics,
listening to calm music, or having a warm bath. Reduce stress by talking to a
friend or a counselor, all the while working to eliminate as much surrounding
stressors as possible.
Treating
Teeth Grinding
Treatment for teeth grinding depends on the
symptoms and, if there are any, the underlying cause. There are treatment options
designed to reduce clenching and grinding, the most popular of which is wearing
a mouthguard at night. Various kinds of mouthguards are available; a doctor
will determine the right kind for a particular case. If the grinding is caused
by misaligned teeth, a visit to
the dentist is recommended.
When stress is the underlying cause of
teeth grinding, it is important for the medical health provider to get into the
root of the emotional problems. For instance, the doctor can talk with the
patient about things that worry them, including home life, school or new
experiences. They can also create a plan to help the patient feel less anxious
and worried. If there is no improvement, the doctor can further explore
evaluation and treatment options.
Living
with Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding is not exactly dangerous,
and most children will outgrow it. However, it can cause unpleasant symptoms
that can interfere with daily living. Some tips to reduce and prevent pain are
applying ice or heat to sore jaw muscles, massaging neck and face muscles,
avoiding hard and chewy foods, learning physical therapy stretching exercises,
reducing stress and relaxing the facial muscles.
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