Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding

DEFINITION
Teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) usually occurs at night
and can cause the teeth to become worn or loosened.
DESCRIPTION
Teeth grinding is a complex disorder that is not properly
understood despite extensive research. About half of all adults
will grind their teeth at some point; while 20 per cent of adults
and children will have a significant problem with teeth
grinding.
  
A person who grinds or clenches their teeth in their sleep
bites down harder than is physically possible during the day. This
places a great deal of stress on teeth and facial bones, as they
can’t cope with such pressure. Prolonged episodes of teeth grinding
can lead to chronic earache, neck and jaw pain as well as dental
abnormalities.
CAUSE
  • Poor occlusion (teeth not lined up correctly)
  • Abnormalities of the bone structure of the jaw and face
  • Anxiety, stress and psychological disorders
  • Sleep disorders
  • Chemical imbalances
  • Disorders of nerve transmission from the central nervous
    system
  • Smoking
  • Some anti-depressant medications.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
  • Tooth wear (fillings, cracks or chips) especially on the front
    teeth.
  • Grinding noise noticed by family during the night
  • Pain or fatigue in facial muscles, jaw or ear
  • Locking or clicking of the jaw
  • Aching teeth, especially upon waking
  • Headaches and/or ear pain
  • Loose teeth (excluding baby teeth in children) 
  • Teeth sensitive to cold or heat
  • Teeth marks on the tongue
  • Raised tissue on the inside of the cheek caused from teeth
    grinding.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Teeth grinding is managed through consultation with your
Doctor and Dentist.
  • In children, most cases will disappear without treatment. See
    your doctor if teeth grinding doesn’t stop in a few months or if
    side effects such as locked jaw or hearing loss occur. 
  • Counselling can help address anxiety or stress-related
    problems.
DIET HINTS
Note: The following diet hints can help strengthen teeth, but
the underlying cause of teeth grinding must still be treated.
  • Adults should avoid alcohol, as it can worsen the problem.
  • Avoid large amounts of acidic foods, which can contribute to
    erosion of the tooth enamel. Foods to avoid include soft drinks,
    full strength fruit juice and vinegar. 
  • Calcium is important for tooth formation. Children should have
    a diet rich in milk, cheese, dairy products, green leafy vegetables
    and fish with edible bones such as sardines. 
  • Vitamin D is needed to improve the uptake of calcium and
    strengthen teeth. Sources include fish oils, egg yolks, seeds and
    fortified milk. Exposure to sunlight is necessary for vitamin D to
    be activated in the skin.
  • Vitamin C prevents gum disease. It should be obtained from the
    diet, as supplements can cause erosion to tooth enamel. Sources
    include citrus fruit, berries, capsicum and green vegetables. If
    citrus fruit is eaten, it should be followed by a glass of milk or
    water to reduce acidity in the mouth.
  • Do not allow infants to go to sleep with a bottle of milk or
    juice in place, as this can cause cavities. Give them water
    only.
PREVENTION
  • A mouth guard may can help protect teeth during the
    night. 
  • Regular dental check-ups are needed to treat damaged teeth and
    check the alignment of the bite.
  • Massage and stretching exercises may be recommended for pain
    relief. Ask your dentist for advice.
  • Fluoride drops may help strengthen childrens’ teeth, in areas
    where the water supply is not supplemented. Ask your dentist or
    local health authority if fluoride drops would be suitable for your
    child.
SUPPLEMENTS AND HERBS
  • Magnesium aids nerve and muscle function. and also has a
    history of traditional use in helping to relieve teeth
    grinding.
  • Calcium and vitamin D are important for tooth formation and
    strengthening the enamel.
ORGANISATIONS & SUPPORT GROUPS
Australian Dental Association
75 Lithgow Street
St Leonards
NSW, 2065
PO Box 520
St Leonards
NSW, 1590
Phone: (02) 9906 4412
Fax: (02) 9906 4917
Website: www.ada.org.au
Email: adainc@ada.org.au
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice. Some medications can cause
Teeth Grinding. Your Pharmacist can tell you if any medication you
are taking may be contributing to Teeth Grinding.