Bruxism is grinding, clenching, or gnashing of the teeth. It an be caused not just by stress and anxiety but by sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or teeth that are missing or crooked. Teeth grinding is also associated with alcohol and tobacco use. People who drink alcohol and smokers are approximately twice as likely to grind their teeth.
The symptoms of teeth grinding include teeth that are painful or loose, fractured teeth, dull headaches, and jaw soreness. Ask your dentist about getting a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep. If stress is the cause you need to find a way to relax. Meditation, counseling and exercise can all help reduce stress and anxiety.
Teeth grinding is also common in children. However, their teeth and jaws change and grow so quickly that it is not usually a damaging habit that requires treatment and most outgrow it by adolescence. Although in adults teeth grinding is often the result of stress, the same is not always true with children. Other possible causes of teeth grinding in children include:
irritation in the mouth
allergies
misaligned teeth
Brian Y. Kuo DDS FAGD
(626) 800-8022
😬 If you're concerned about teeth grinding, ask Dr. Kuo about the potential causes and ,if necessary, the possible solutions.