Teeth grinding

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.