Most people probably grind and clench their teeth from time to time, scientifically known as bruxism. Occasional teeth grinding does not usually cause harm, but when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis, the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise.

This habit of grinding, gnashing, grating, or clenching the teeth usually affects many people including adults and children. While its exact cause is unknown, most experts believe that bruxism can occur as a response to increased psychological stress.

Bruxism involves any type of forceful contact between the teeth, whether silent and clenching or loud and grating.
Although teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, it often occurs during sleep and is more likely caused by an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth.

Certain sleep disorders are accompanied by bruxism. Drinking alcohol and taking certain medications for example antidepressants may worsen the bruxism.

Malocclusion such as improper alignment of the teeth may also play a causative role or may determine the severity of symptoms related to bruxism.
Children may develop bruxism as a response to a cold or other infection and are more likely to develop it when their parents are affected.

Scientific research has revealed that persons whose personalities may be described as compulsive, controlling, precise, or aggressive have an increased incidence of bruxism.

Because grinding often occurs during sleep, most people are unaware that they grind their teeth. However, a dull, constant headache or sore jaw is a telltale symptom of bruxism. Many times people learn that they grind their teeth by their loved one who hears the grinding at night.

If one suspects that he or she may be grinding the teeth, needs to consult his doctor. He or she can examine the mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism such as jaw tenderness and abnormalities in the teeth.

Dangers
In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in a fracturing, loosening, or loss of teeth. The chronic grinding may wear their teeth down to stumps. When these events happen, bridges, crowns, root canals, implants, partial dentures, and even complete dentures may be needed.

The dangers of bruxism are not only limited to sore jaw muscles and sleep deprivation.  One of the main concerns is that the constant and involuntary grinding can lead to damage to one’s teeth.  The height of the teeth may become shorter and shorter as the enamel wears off and the grinding takes it’s toll on the bone mass itself of each tooth. 

For the teeth to become shorter and experiencing sore jaw muscles after a restless night of sleep are just a couple of dangers of bruxism, but they are also the symptoms. 

Not only is one susceptible to getting cavities, you can notice a very high sensitivity to cold and hot liquids.  This is because the constant grinding will lead to cracks or fissures in the teeth that may be so small and you cannot even see them with the naked eye. 

These cracks allow that cold or hot liquid to get in there and make direct contact with the nerves causing shooting pain.  This constant pressure can cause pieces of the teeth to chip off and leave them vulnerable to bacteria and decay.

Treatment
Today most dentists can fit with a mouth guard to protect the teeth from grinding during sleep.
If stress is causing a person to grind the teeth, attending stress counseling, starting an exercise program, seeing a physical therapist or obtaining a prescription for muscle relaxants are among some of the options that may be offered.

Avoid or cut back on foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as colas, chocolate, and coffee. Avoid alcohol. Grinding tends to intensify after alcohol consumption.

For children should not chew on pencils or pens or anything that is not food, they should avoid chewing gum as it allows the jaw muscles to get more used to clenching and makes them more likely to grind their teeth.
There is need to relax the jaw muscles at night by holding a warm wash cloth against the cheek in front of the ear lobe.

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