Teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, can be caused by stress, pain, medical conditions, misalignment of teeth or jaw, diet, and posture. There is no cure, but treatments such as stress management and mouthguards can reduce or eliminate symptoms.
Teeth grinding and clenching is called bruxism, which has many possible causes. Researchers aren’t certain of the exact cause, but stress and pain are likely the main factors in a person experiencing teeth grinding and clenching. Daily stress, such as relationship conflicts and work-related problems, is a common factor in people who develop this habit. Also, pain from earache or toothache can cause someone to temporarily develop the habit. Finally, some experts have observed connections between certain medical conditions and teeth grinding and clenching.
Most researchers generally agree that daily stress is a major factor in cases of bruxism. Someone who is excessively stressed may be grinding and clenching day and night, rarely realizing they are doing it until symptoms appear. If the person is experiencing severe symptoms from teeth grinding and clenching, such as severe pain and a locked jaw, it is usually safe to assume that she is doing it while sleeping. In this case, it’s not unusual to wake up with a sore and tired jaw, headache, or severe facial pain.
This habit often occurs in people who often feel anger, frustration and pain. Those who are overly competitive or constantly rushed can also experience bruxism. In most cases, these people are stressed out emotionally, physically, or both. For example, when someone suffers from earache or toothache, he may grind and clench. The same goes for pain in other areas of the body, although grinding and clenching due to earache or toothache is more common.
While symptoms such as stress and other mental and emotional complications are among the most common causes of teeth grinding and clenching, there are many other less common causes. In children, bruxism can occur due to teething or the development of the teeth and jaws. This condition can also be affected by changes in sleep patterns or medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease. Misalignment of the teeth or jaw, as well as diet and posture have also been observed as causes of teeth grinding and clenching, among many others.
There is no cure for teeth grinding and clenching, only treatments for the real cause. Stress management, mouthguards or splints, and many other options are available to reduce or eliminate grinding and clenching to prevent severe tooth wear. The person is usually not medicated, but muscle relaxants are occasionally prescribed.
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