Quick Fixes for Teeth Grinding

Most people say that grinding of teeth is related to stress. But it can also be due to habit. In fact, it is considered a 'parafunctional' habit. Therefore, it is very important to identify the real cause.

Some important factors to consider:

1. Some people grind or clench their teeth while concentrating at work. A dentist can make them aware of the fact. They just have to discontinue as soon as they catch themselves doing it. That is how they can break the habit.

2. Some people genuinely grind in sleep. Most of the time they are unaware of the fact. It has to be monitored and a proper diagnosis has to be done.

Clinical manifestation:

1. In both of these cases, the teeth can be hypersensitive to cold.

2. People who clench or grind during the day notice pain or discomfort toward the end of the day (mostly in the evening) due to repeated trauma.

3. People who do it in sleep wake up with headaches (mostly in the temple areas; i.e., on the sides of the head on top of the ears). Even drinking coffee does not improve the condition.

4. In both cases a patient can have tired facial muscles and jaw. It is difficult for them to keep their mouth open for long. Most of the time the dentist has to use a mouth prop or 'bite block' to keep the mouth open during any dental procedure.

5. Both groups have periodontal disease with marked bone loss due to repeated trauma. We use our teeth, jaw and muscles throughout the day. The purpose of going to sleep is to allow the body to repair and heal itself. But the grinding habit denies these tissues that benefit. As a result, with age and the continuous assault, the teeth wear down and the supporting structures, mainly the bone breaks down leading to established periodontal disease. The layman's term for that is 'Pyorrhea".

6. with gradual loss of height of the teeth, the total facial height gets reduced over the years. As a result, the corners of the mouth (lip area) form folds/wrinkles, which can be viewed as a premature sign of aging.

7. On rare occasions, the nerve(s) of a tooth or teeth may die. The necrotic tissue in turn produces full blown dental abscess. This happens due to the repeated trauma. That condition then has to be treated with root canal treatment. So, it is important to know that dental abscess can also be a result of trauma and not only decay.

8. Due to the trauma for years, some patients experience arthritic changes in the jaw joint areas (the TMJ or 'Temporo-Mandibular Joint' problems). This may result in restricted jaw opening ('Trismus') or movement that can be associated with pain.

Remedy :

1. Identify the problem and increase awareness to stop the clenching habits.

2. Adjust the 'bite' as needed. This is called 'occlusal adjustment'. Selective grinding down of teeth prevent further damage.

3. Fabricate occlusal guards for those who clench and/or grind in sleep. It is better to get the custom made hard occlusal guards. Usually, the compliance is better when it fits better and is not too bulky. The appliance is made for either the top or the bottom teeth and act as a platform on to which the opposing teeth slide upon grinding. It prevents the teeth from interlocking. That is how it takes the load off and prevents damage and allows healing. The guards that can be bought at the store do not meet the standards, and because those are flexible, those still transmit the load. Unfortunately, none of the the insurances cover the cost for an occlusal guard.

4. it is important for the dentist to learn when to refer. It is wise to refer the patient to a specialist in extreme cases.