Teeth Grinding & Headaches (TMJ)
Teeth grinding is a condition known as bruxism, which may cause you to unconsciously grind or clench your teeth while you are awake or sleeping. There are many causes of bruxism and the symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe headaches, jaw disorders and damaged teeth.
How to identify bruxism
You may not be aware that you are grinding your teeth until someone points it out or your dentist notices some changes to your teeth or bite. This is usually because you are either asleep or not aware that you are clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth even while you are awake.
Some of the most common symptoms of bruxism include:
Teeth that have changed shape – flat, fractured, chipped or become loose
Enamel that has worn down, exposing the inner layer of your tooth
Teeth that are more sensitive to hot or cold
Pain in your jaw, neck, face or ear
A dull headache – usually around the temples
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders – such as a clicking sound, grating or locking sensation when you open and close your mouth
Damage to the tissues inside your cheek from biting down
Disturbed sleep – or waking to the sound of grinding or clenching your teeth
Bruxism can become more serious over time and lead to more extensive damage to teeth. If you have restorations, including crowns or onlays, these can be worn down and need to be replaced.
Why do I grind my teeth?
Bruxism can be caused by a combination of factors. There is no one reason or type of person who is more likely to experience it, however, bruxism is common in young children and can also develop as a coping mechanism during times of stress.
Other factors that have been linked to bruxism include:
Emotions – increased anxiety, stress, anger or frustration can cause you to clench your jaw. This may develop into a habit or soothing strategy.
Age – young children often grind their teeth at night.
Medications – teeth grinding is a side effect of some prescription medications.
Substances – smoking tobacco, drinking caffeine and using drugs can increase your risk of teeth grinding.
Other disorders – including mental health, sleep disorders (eg sleep apnoea) and some medical conditions have also been linked to bruxism.
Treatments for teeth grinding
We offer the following treatments and prevention for teeth grinding:
Injectable treatments – these work by relaxing the muscles of the jaw to reduce the overactive grinding and clenching. Read more about cosmetic injectables. [LINK TO PAGE]
Night splints – a custom fitted mouthguard worn at night to protect the teeth from wear. Read more about night splints. [LINK TO PAGE]
Understanding what is causing you to grind your teeth is the first step in planning what treatments may be most effective for you. As dentists, we can then work to repair any damaged teeth and protect them from future wear.
