What Causes Bruxism?

Are you waking up with headaches or is your jaw hurting? A sleep disorder called Bruxism may be the cause. Bruxism is the grinding or clenching of your teeth. It can be done in the daytime or at night while sleeping. Gnashing the teeth is another symptom. It seems to happen more with children but effects adults also. The causes of Bruxism are not entirely known, but both physical and psychological conditions are thought to be in the forefront of why Bruxism happens.

One physical cause is thought to be an abnormal alignment of upper and lower teeth (malocclusion), according to www.mayoclinic.com. This is genetic and can be found easily with a x-ray by your dentist. When a person grinds their teeth consistently, the teeth become chipped and bruised and causes further dental complications. Most of the time, grinding the teeth happens subconsciously but if sleeping with a partner, the grinding is so loud it woke their partners up. The person with the sleep disorder sleeps right through it and is not aware unless it is brought to their attention. Some people say that digestive or stomach problems may be the cause.

For the most part, psychological factors are thought to be the main causes of this condition. Stress, anxiety, and frustration are big causes, and if a person has a more aggressive personality it is more common to have Bruxism.

Some signs of Bruxism, according to www.peoples-health.com are:

1. Wear of tooth

2. Breaking of the teeth.

3. Loose teeth.

4. The bed partner should notice for any signs of grinding noise.

5. The patient may suffer from unusual facial muscular pain.

6. Explained headaches.

7. Sensitive teeth and cheek irritation

Some other sleep disorders are Narcolepsy, Sleep Apnea, Sleep Walking, and sleep paralysis. It is not entirely known what causes Bruxism specifically, it's thought more so to be a combination of factors. The good news is that treatment is available and teeth grinding can does not have ruin your teeth, or your sleep. It is treated sometimes with a mouthpiece to avoid the degrading of the teeth and prevention of further damage. Behavior modification is used and Biofeedback exercises can be helpful. It depends on how severe the Bruxism is and treatment is entirely up your doctor or dentist. Sometimes changing the sleeping position you usually sleep in can help also. If you think you may have this problem please schedule an appointment with your dentist and get some much-needed relief. Good luck.