Teeth grinding or bruxism is more common in children than adults. Usually, children can outgrow their teeth grinding or bruxism as they grow old, but not all. Teeth grinding is a condition in which a person involuntarily clenches or grinds his or her upper and lower teeth during the day or even during sleep, which is known as sleep bruxism. Most people who are suffering from teeth grinding are usually unaware that they are suffering from it. It is usually the person who sleeps in the same room with the person with bruxism tell that there is an actual problem of teeth grinding. There are actually several different factors that can increase a person’s risk for teeth grinding.
Physical Signs of Teeth Grinding
Since most people suffering from teeth grinding are unaware about their problem, during a routine dental exam, the dentist or dental provider will check for any physical signs of teeth grinding.
- Unusual wear and tear of both upper and lower teeth.
- Fractures in the teeth
- Teeth Sensitivity
- Continued Breakdown of Dental Restorations done.
Having one or all of those physical signs of teeth grinding can prompt your dentist for a possible teeth grinding problem. Your dentist will then have to observe for further changes or complications of teeth grinding in your teeth and see if the damages to your teeth are getting worse and if you require treatments and therapies for your problem.
Possible Causes of Teeth Grinding
Once the dentist suspects that you are suffering from teeth grinding or bruxism through your physical signs exhibited, your dentist will then try to determine what might have caused your teeth grinding problems. Here are some of the questions your dentist will ask you:
- Details about your general dental health. Possible questions your dentist will ask you are your regular dental visits, how regular do you brush your teeth, etc.
- Daily medications – There are some medications that can increase a person’s risk for teeth grinding. If your dentist finds out you are taking medications that can possibly cause your teeth grinding problems, your dentist can find an effective treatments or solutions for your teeth grinding.
- Caffeine and Alcohol Intake – It has been proven that regular intake of alcoholic beverages and caffeinated beverages especially during night time can increase a person’s risk for the development of teeth grinding during sleep.
- Sleeping Habits – during this assessment, the dentist may have to ask your partner or the person who sleeps in the same room as you. The dentist will probably ask about any grinding sounds heard while the patient is sleeping. Grinding sounds during sleep are too obvious and distinct.
I hope this teeth grinding article was useful to you and will bring you one step closer to solving your problems.
