Teeth grinding: causes, symptoms and treatment methods

Medical articles

Teeth grinding: causes, symptoms and treatment methods

Medical articles

Reviewed by: Dr. Doaa Saad Al-Qanbar is a general dentist

Teeth grinding is considered a common problem for some people, which is hearing the sound of teeth during sleep as a result of the friction of these teeth with each other. This grinding may cause a person to wake up from sleep due to tooth pain, and because this problem is considered one of the annoying and anxiety-provoking matters for those who suffer from it, that is why people who suffer from this problem ask about solutions that help them get rid of this problem, and during this article we will shed light on the causes of this problem and ways to treat it.

Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding is known as the sound that comes from the teeth during sleep without awareness. It causes erosion of the enamel layer that surrounds the teeth as a result of constant friction. It may cause simple and unclear fractures in the teeth or distortion of their shape in some cases.

This sound also causes one to wake up from sleep and not be able to get a restful sleep, in addition to the appearance of ulcers in the mouth and pain in the neck and temples. The problem of teeth grinding leads to pain in the temporomandibular joint, head, and ears, and interruption of sleep, in addition to tooth erosion and a feeling of discomfort. Ignoring its treatment leads to broken teeth or a change in the shape of the jaw.

Causes of teeth grinding

There are many factors and reasons that lead to the appearance of teeth grinding in some people, and the most prominent of these reasons are the following:

Constant stress and anxiety are factors that increase these negative feelings and cause a person to make these sounds during sleep.
People who are aggressive, competitive, or hyperactive make these sounds at bedtime.
The sound of teeth grinding may be the result of taking some antidepressants or some medications.
Smoking and drinking drinks that contain a high percentage of caffeine are the cause of these sounds due to insomnia and lack of deep sleep.
Genetic factors and a previous history of bruxism increase the likelihood of developing this problem.
Suffering from some diseases, including Parkinson's disease, sleep apnea, or gastroesophageal reflux.
Age is one of the factors affecting tooth grinding, as this problem is more common in children than in adults.

Risk factors for bruxism

There are many risk factors that increase the possibility of bruxism, whether during sleep or while awake, and the most prominent risk factors are as follows:

Anxiety and psychological stress. Chronic stress is considered one of the most common causes, as it leads to tightening of the jaw muscles and involuntary grinding of the teeth.
Irregular sleep patterns such as insomnia or sleep disorders, especially nocturnal apnea.
Personal factors such as aggressive, competitive, or irritable personality.
Problems with bite or tooth alignment, which leads to abnormal friction between the teeth.
Abuse of caffeine, alcohol, or smoking. These substances stimulate the nervous system and increase the likelihood of teeth grinding, especially before sleep.
Taking certain medications such as SSRI antidepressants.
Genetic factors.
Neurological or psychiatric diseases such as Parkinson's disease or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Symptoms of teeth grinding

Teeth grinding, or what is known as teeth grinding, can appear during sleep or wakefulness. These symptoms include a group of signs that may not be apparent at first, then become annoying after a while, the most prominent of which are the following:

Pain in the jaw or face, especially when waking up.
Persistent headache, usually early in the morning, and concentrated in the temple area.
Noticeable erosion or flattening of the teeth, or the appearance of small cracks in the enamel.
Teeth sensitivity to cold or heat due to exposure of the dentin layer.
The sound of teeth grinding during sleep, and can be noticed by a sleeping partner.
Ear pain is caused by mouth pressure and not caused by actual infections.
Stiffness in the facial muscles or difficulty opening the mouth fully.
Damage to fillings or dental crowns as a result of constant pressure.

Treatment of bruxism

The problem of teeth grinding is one of the problems that should not be ignored, otherwise it will cause some annoying complications. Therefore, it can be treated by avoiding drinking drinks that contain caffeine, in addition to avoiding excessive chewing of gum. A piece of warm cloth can be placed in the temple before sleeping to reduce the feeling of tension and pressure on the teeth before sleeping.

In addition, the pillows must be adjusted so that the head is slightly higher than the body. Massage the neck and head before sleeping to reduce the stress and anxiety that grips the person before sleeping and causes him to do this habit.

Treatment of bruxism in adults

If home methods fail to get rid of the problem of teeth grinding at home, some other methods of treatment can be resorted to, including wearing a mouth splint on the upper and lower jaw to separate the teeth from each other and prevent friction.

Or it is possible to resort to a dental correction procedure that restores the shape of the surface of the teeth and prevents them from colliding with each other and causing annoying friction. You can also rely on taking some medications that reduce the swelling that affects the jaw due to the increase in the size of the teeth.

In addition, one can resort to Botox injections, which are considered an effective treatment for getting rid of this problem, or taking muscle relaxants.

Complications of teeth grinding

Complications of teeth grinding may be serious if it continues for a long time without treatment. The most prominent of these complications are as follows:

Erosion of tooth enamel, which leads to excessive sensitivity, especially to heat and cold.
Cracked or broken teeth, which require treatment such as fillings, crowns, or extractions.
Persistent pain in the jaw due to pressure on the temporomandibular joint, which leads to jaw joint dysfunction.
Chronic headache, especially in the morning, due to muscle tension during sleep.
Sleep problems, whether for the affected person or for the sleeping partner, as a result of the sound of grinding at night.
Damage to fillings or dental crowns, leading to the need for repair or replacement.
Difficulty chewing or even opening the mouth due to spasm of the jaw muscles.
Change in facial appearance over time, due to repeated pressure on the muscles.

What is the cause of teeth grinding in children during sleep?

The cause of teeth grinding may be that the child is exposed to a lot of nervous pressures and excessive stress that the child experiences due to tests or other things, in addition to taking some medications that cause side effects, especially medications that treat asthma, as well as tonsillitis in children, cerebral palsy, sleep disorders, and ear infections are all factors and causes that lead to the occurrence of this sound during sleep.

If the position of the child’s teeth is skewed, he may grind his teeth, and the child may suffer from sleep disturbances as a result of urination. Involuntary Or seeing disturbing nightmares and other reasons that affect the quality of sleep.

Book your consultation now at Dental center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.

Treatment of bruxism in children

In order to treat the problem of teeth grinding in a child, a specialist doctor should be visited to determine the extent of damage to the teeth and whether the child needs to have his teeth adjusted or not. In the event that there is no problem with the teeth, the parents need to take behavioral therapy to reduce the tension and pressure that the child is experiencing.

In addition to setting a fixed routine for the child by setting specific sleep times and not sitting in front of electronic devices at least two hours before bed, and making sure to provide a quiet atmosphere and a dark room so that the child can sleep peacefully.

Provide the child with dinner that is light on the stomach so that he does not experience any stomach problems or disturbing nightmares. It is recommended to eat oatmeal, milk, nuts, grapes, fruits and other healthy foods.

Exercising plays a major role in relieving stress and tension and helps in getting rid of the problem of teeth grinding. In some cases, the child may need to have braces installed that adjust the shape of the teeth. If the child suffers from tonsillitis continuously, it is recommended to remove them, in addition to removing the adenoids that cause interruption of breathing during sleep.

Treatment of bruxism

Teeth grinding is treated by practicing some exercises, including:

Jaw improvement exercises:

The thumb is pressed from the temporomandibular joint in the lower jaw and the mouth is opened gradually and the mouth is left open for 15 seconds and then the mouth is closed slowly. This exercise is repeated several times a day. It is preferable to continue the exercise for 10 minutes and repeat 3 times.

Jaw muscle relaxation exercise:

We gently close the mouth, taking care to prevent the lower and upper teeth from touching. We press the roof of the mouth with the tongue without it touching the mouth, and this position continues for as long as possible.

Dental guard installation:

It protects the teeth and is installed in the upper and lower jaw to prevent the teeth from rubbing against each other. The guard is tailored according to the size of the teeth at the dentist, and it is one of the effective ways to get rid of teeth grinding.

It is recommended to choose the appropriate treatment to solve the problem of teeth grinding and not to ignore it, as the gums may not recede or erode the tooth enamel and lead to tooth breakage or any damage.

How to prevent teeth grinding

To prevent the problem of teeth grinding, it is important to follow some of the steps that help you protect against this problem, which aim to reduce stress and protect the teeth. The most prominent preventive methods are as follows:

Use various relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises, especially before bed, to reduce anxiety and stress.
Use a night guard, which is a device worn during sleep to protect the teeth from friction.
Avoid stimulants before bed, such as consuming caffeine, nicotine, and alcoholic beverages, which stimulate the nervous system and increase grinding.
Improve sleep quality by adhering to a regular sleep schedule and avoiding screens before bed.
Exercise regularly and eat healthy.
Pay attention to your jaw health, and avoid chewing gum or opening things with your teeth.
Treating any dental problems, such as inappropriate fillings or malocclusion.
Consult a psychiatrist or sleep specialist if the cause is psychological or related to a chronic sleep disorder.

Frequently asked questions about teeth grinding

How do I know if I have bruxism?

The presence of teeth grinding is evidenced by waking up from sleep and listening to the sound of teeth rubbing against each other or feeling a headache and pain in the jaw and ear as a result of pressure on the teeth during sleep.

How to get rid of teeth grinding?

In the beginning, home methods are tried and an attempt is made to relieve stress and anxiety and organize sleep schedules. If there is a problem with the shape of the teeth, it is treated immediately and a doctor is consulted if the problem recurs.

What causes teeth grinding during sleep?

Nervous pressures and tension are among the most common causes of the problem, in addition to the appearance of some dental problems or due to taking some medications that affect the brain or exposure to depression.

We, through Al Mousa Health Hospital, learned in detail about the problem of teeth grinding, which is one of the problems that causes anxiety and inconvenience. We provide you with the best treatment methods and provide medical advice that helps you solve this problem in a simple way.

What does teeth grinding indicate?

Teeth grinding often indicates the presence of constant anxiety or psychological tension. It is considered an involuntary response to nervous stress, especially during sleep. It also indicates sleep disorders such as insomnia or night apnea, or indicates organic problems such as jaw joint imbalance or malocclusion of the teeth. In some cases, teeth grinding is largely related to taking certain medications or related to various neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s. Therefore, the medical diagnosis is decisive to determine the cause and treat it.

Is teeth grinding a symptom of brain electricity?

Yes, teeth grinding can in some cases be one of the symptoms of increased brain electricity, especially in children, as it appears as an involuntary movement during epileptic seizures or as part of neurological disorders. Teeth grinding is not conclusive evidence of excess electricity, as it may be the result of stress, sleep disorders, or problems with the jaw or teeth. Therefore, if excessive grinding occurs during sleep or is accompanied by other neurological symptoms such as loss of consciousness or convulsions, you should consult a neurologist to conduct an electroencephalogram (EEG).

How do I strengthen weak teeth?

To strengthen weak teeth, it is important to take care of oral health by brushing the teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, and using dental floss to clean between the teeth. It is also recommended to follow a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to strengthen enamel and bones, and to be careful to avoid acidic or sugary foods and drinks. Also, drinking water regularly helps clean the mouth and reduce harmful acids, especially after eating. It is preferable to use a fluoride rinse or apply enamel-strengthening materials if the teeth are very weak.

Medical references

Teeth grinding (bruxism) – mayoclinic

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) – clevelandclinic