Common Risk Factors And Causes Of Teeth Grinding

Trauma

Trauma to the mouth can be another cause of tooth grinding. Long-term grinding can also lead to the loss of teeth, or the loosening and fracturing of the teeth. This kind of trauma may then lend itself to further grinding, which becomes a vicious cycle. Grinding can also have effects on the jaw, with the potential to change an individual's facial appearance or worsen temporomandibular joint disease. When the grinding is stress-related, patients can ask their doctor about how to reduce stress in their daily life. There are some different potential options patients may be offered. They might be asked to attend counseling for stress or begin an exercise program. Some doctors might recommend seeing a physical therapist, depending on the patient's circumstances. When stress is combined with a sleeping disorder to cause the grinding, the sleeping disorder should be addressed first to reduce the habit.

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Repetitive Strain

Repetitive strain on the jaw can cause teeth grinding. Many different things can cause repetitive strain, from stress to old injuries. When individuals are experiencing this kind of strain, their dentist will most likely use a mouth guard to reduce the friction of their teeth grinding against each other. Patients can also avoid drinks and foods with a high caffeine content, as these tend to make stress levels and grinding worse. Alcohol also often makes grinding more intense. Individuals should avoid chewing on pens, pencils, and anything other than food. Even chewing gum might make them more likely to strain their jaw and grind their teeth. At night, individuals should practice relaxing the muscles in their jaw before they go to sleep.

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