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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Melanie Munk, Features Editor munk@heraldnet.com   Published: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 Grinding one's teeth can harm mouth, jaw By Dr. Elizabeth Smoots Herald Columnist Have you ever heard someone grind his or her teeth while sleeping? The noise is usually quite noticeable -- and loud. Teeth-grinding that occurs while awake is often more subtle. Either way, adults and children can do it alike, with harmful effects to the mouth and jaws. Here I'll answer questions about bruxism -- derived from the Greek word "brychein," which means to grind or gnash the teeth. Q: What are the symptoms and signs? A: Bruxism is characterized by grinding, gnashing or clenching of the teeth. Your sleep partner may be the first to notice that you make grinding noises at night. Your dentist may point out that your teeth are showing a lot of wear, or that your tooth enamel is worn or chipped. You may feel that your teeth are very sensitive. In addition, you may experience tight jaw muscles, painful jaw joints and soreness or pain in your head, face or ears. Q: Which factors increase risk? A: Poor alignment of your bite -- the fit of your upper and lower teeth where they meet -- is a common cause of bruxism. The condition may also be triggered by psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, frustration or anger. People with aggressive, competitive or hyperactive personality styles seem to have higher rates of teeth grinding. Other factors that may increase risk include habitually drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages in the evening, taking certain types of antidepressant medication or suffering from chronic conditions like Parkinson's or Huntington's disease. Q: Are effective treatments available? A: Yes. Without treatment, severe bruxism can wear out your teeth and damage your jaws. The condition may also loosen or destroy dental restorations such as bridges and crowns. Fortunately, treatment can bring progressive damage to a halt. Some common options include dental care, stress reduction and counseling. Q: What does dental care entail? A: Your dentist may prescribe a custom mouth guard or splint. A mouth guard is a plastic device that fits onto your upper teeth; it's usually worn at night. The guard protects the biting surfaces of your teeth from the wear and tear of repeated grinding and clenching. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be recommended to correct misaligned teeth. And reconstructive treatment may become necessary when the teeth are worn severely. Q: Solutions for managing stress? A: Stress reduction is often an important part of treating bruxism. Getting regular exercise is invaluable. Relaxation exercises, meditation, deep breathing and yoga are other effective ways to release tension. In addition, counseling may help you learn healthier ways to cope with stress. Q: Practical tips for prevention? A: You can practice proper mouth and jaw position. To do this, lightly rest your tongue upward toward the roof of your mouth just behind your front teeth. Check to make sure you're keeping your teeth apart and your lips closed. Finding a way to keep your life stresses at bay may also help. Finally, see your dentist at least twice a year for dental exams and screening for bruxism. For more information: American Dental Association, www.ada.org. Contact Dr. Elizabeth Smoots, a board-certified family physician and fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, at doctor@practicalprevention.com. Her columns are not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Before adhering to any recommendations in this column consult your health care provider. © 2009 Elizabeth S. Smoots READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

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