Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is often viewed as a harmless, though
annoying, habit. Some people develop bruxism from an inability to deal with
stress or anxiety.
However, teeth grinding can literally transform your bite relationship and worse,
severely damage your teeth and jaws over long periods of time.
Teeth grinding can cause abrasion to the chewing surfaces of your teeth. This
abnormal wear and tear will prematurely age and loosen your teeth, and open them
to problems such as hypersensitivity (from the small cracks that form, exposing
your dentin.) Bruxism can also lead to chronic jaw and facial pain, as well as
headaches.
If no one has told you that you grind your teeth, here are a few clues that you
may suffer from bruxism:
- Your jaw is often sore, or you hear popping sounds when you open and close your
mouth.
- Your teeth look abnormally short or worn down.
- You notice small dents in your tongue.
Bruxism is somewhat treatable. A common therapy involves use of a special
appliance worn while sleeping. Less intrusive, though just as effective methods
could involve biofeedback, and behavior modification, such as tongue exercises
and learning how to properly align your tongue, teeth and lips.