Jaw pain and teeth grinding: Causes and Treatment

You might have a condition called bruxism if you grind your teeth frequently. This type of disorder might result in jaw pain and dental issues. You may not be aware of the fact that you are grinding your teeth while sleeping. However, if you experience bruxism symptoms like loose teeth, it is time to consult your dentist. The most common treatment for bruxism is to wear a night guard to prevent teeth grinding. This solution is quite effective.

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is frequent in youngsters and usually occurs during sleep or under stress. When adult teeth entirely develop, they usually disappear. But it doesn’t imply adults aren’t affected. Based on one piece of sleep research, 8% of middle-aged individuals grind their teeth while sleeping.

Mild tooth grinding isn’t really dangerous, and it does not necessitate therapy. However, it is critical to seek dental care if it becomes regular and serious enough to cause a lot of problems, such as jaw issues or tooth damage. If you or your children are suffering mild side effects from grinding, you can try several natural remedies to lessen them and avoid consequences such as jaw pain.

Image illustrating jaw pain and teeth grinding

What exactly is bruxism (tooth grinding)?

You most likely grind or clench your teeth on occasion. Grinding your teeth occasionally is unlikely to be harmful. 

However, if you grind your teeth on a daily basis, you may develop bruxism. It has the potential to harm you because it can lead to problems with: 

  • The muscles in the jaw.
  • The teeth.
  • TMJs – which are the joints that link the jawbone to the skull and allow people to open and shut their mouth.

What are the different types of bruxism?

Bruxism can occur while you are awake or asleep. Although the grinding motion remains the same, waking and sleeping bruxism are viewed differently as conditions:

  • Awake bruxism occurs when you strain your jaw and grind your teeth throughout the day. It is generally associated with emotional difficulties. Teeth grinding might occur when you are nervous, worried, or irritated. But so can concentrating on something. Conscious bruxism frequently does not require therapy since you are more likely to recognize and eliminate it. Stress reduction and becoming more aware might also help minimize the recurrence.
  • Sleep bruxism happens when you grind your teeth while sleeping, resulting in harm. Because you are uninformed about what is occurring, you may not receive the necessary assistance. A whole other issue with sleep bruxism would be that individuals are unaware of how hard they are clenching their jaw and teeth. They have the ability to use up to 260 pounds of pressure, generating jaw pain and tooth difficulties. Clenching your teeth can also cause headaches.

Image illustrating jaw pain that can be treated at a dentist in Albania

Why is tooth grinding harmful?

Teeth grinding can lead to a number of issues, including: 

  • Changes in your appearance (aesthetic issues) and the facial profile.
  • Teeth that have been fractured or loosened.
  • The TMJs, jaw, and neck muscles will suffer as a result.
  • Tooth decay.
  • Teeth deterioration.

Can children grind their teeth?

Children, just like adults, can suffer from bruxism. Parents may notice their children clenching their jaw or grinding their teeth while sleeping. However, it should be noted that bruxism in children might not cause long-term harm. That is for the sole reason that children’s teeth and jaws constantly develop. As a result, bruxism may be outgrown by the time the baby teeth are gone. 

Even so, some children grind their teeth until they reach puberty. Teeth grinding in children, regardless of age, can result in: 

  • Headaches.
  • Jaw ache.
  • TMJ dysfunction (jaw clicking and other problems).
  • The teeth are subjected to wear and strain.

Stress is a primary factor in bruxism in adults, but it is rarely present in children. Teeth grinding in children can be caused by:

  • Allergies.
  • Teeth that are misaligned.
  • Irritated mouth.
  • Sleep disturbance.
  • Genetics. 

If your child’s teeth appear worn or you hear grinding, consult a dentist. Check out any symptoms of jaw or tooth pain as well. A sleep guard for people who grind their teeth may be recommended by your dentist. This night guard can assist them till they outgrow their bruxism. If the bruxism is caused by stress, doctors might also offer stress-relief techniques.

Image illustrating a patient which jaw pain

Who is at risk for bruxism?

Bruxism affects both males and females at approximately the same rate. If you have a family history of teeth grinding, you may be at a higher risk. Further stressors are: 

  • People who are highly motivated might be more vulnerable to teeth grinding.
  • Stress.
  • Tobacco and coffee consumption.
  • Some anti-anxiety drugs.

What is the prevalence of bruxism?

Bruxism is a very frequently reported sleep disorder. About 15% of adults and up to 20% of youngsters are affected.

What is the cause of tooth grinding?

Bruxism can be caused by a variety of factors, including: 

Drinking alcohol, smoking, taking psychoactive substances, and ingesting a lot of caffeine are all examples of lifestyle choices (more than four cups of coffee a day). Individuals who consume alcohol and smoke are almost twice as likely as those who do not. 

  • Sleep problems.
  • Panic and tension.
  • Using specific medicines, such as a type of anti-anxiety medication known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Image illustrating teeth grinding during the night

Is bruxism a type of sleep disorder?

Sleep bruxism has been researched by academics. They discovered that it begins with a form of sleep disorder in the brain’s central nervous system. Elements that can exacerbate the condition include: 

  • Worry and tension.
  • Drinking alcohol.
  • Various medications and disorders.
  • Genetic inheritance (if individuals in your family have this condition).
  • Smoking.

What are the signs and symptoms of bruxism?

You might not be aware that you grind your teeth while you sleep. However, the following are symptoms of bruxism:

  • Sleep was interrupted.
  • Brain fog or severe headaches, particularly the next morning.
  • Earaches.
  • Teeth that are sensitive or weak.
  • Jaw muscles are stiff.
  • Cracks in the teeth.
  • Teeth deterioration.
  • TMJ is a popping or bursting noise in the jaw.
  • Eating causes pain.
  • Jaw clenching.

Image illustrating teeth grinding which can cause jaw pain

How is bruxism identified?

Consult your dentist if you believe you are crushing your teeth. They can look for evidence of bruxism in your TMJs, jaw muscles, and teeth.

Bruxism is frequently diagnosed by medical experts based on a clinical examination and your concerns. However, in some circumstances, a sleep examination known as polysomnography may be required. This test, which is performed in a sleep clinic, can yield a proper diagnosis.

What is the treatment for bruxism?

There are no medications available to stop teeth grinding. Your dentist may recommend a night guard for you. You place this personalized orthopedic gadget in your mouth prior to going to bed. It shields your teeth, muscles, and TMJs from the pressure exerted by grinding. Your dentist may also advise you to take a muscle relaxant before going to bed.

What else can I do to stop teeth grinding?

Your dentist may examine your drugs to see if they are causing bruxism. Stress could also play a role. Discuss stress-reduction techniques with your dentist: 

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a sort of talk therapy that can aid in stress reduction.
  • Workout.
  • Meditation.
  • Rehabilitation for the body. 

Other ways to reduce teeth grinding include the following: 

  • Limit drinking and smoking.
  • Caffeine should be avoided or reduced in foods and beverages such as soda, cocoa, and coffee.
  • Keep an eye out for teeth clenching throughout the day. Restrict yourself by keeping your lips tight, your teeth separated, and your tongue beneath your front teeth.
  • Non-perishable objects, such as crayons or pencils, should not be chewed. Furthermore, try to avoid chewing gum on a daily basis.

Image illustrating a mouth guard for teeth grinding

How can I keep my teeth from grinding?

To avoid bruxism, follow these steps: 

  • Avoid smoking, narcotics, and drinking, which can aggravate sleep bruxism.
  • Get frequent dental exams. A health professional can address tooth grinding issues as quickly as possible, allowing you to avoid long-term harm.
  • Treat any other dental issues you may have, such as misplaced or missing teeth.

What is the prognosis for those suffering from bruxism?

People suffering from bruxism can lead a healthy life if they make sure to take care of their teeth properly. Most children will have outgrown teeth grinding by the time they reach puberty. Implement your dentist’s advice for grownups. Wear your night guard, if you have one, for teeth grinding. Adhering to your recommended treatment aids in the improvement of symptoms, allowing you to function at your best.

How should I look after my jaw and teeth?

Various sleeping positions may cause you to clench your teeth excessively. By minimizing those positions, you might well be capable of minimizing bruxism.

Look for techniques to deal with stress as well. Many people discover that stress management can help them stop grinding their teeth. Aside from psychotherapy, you can attempt at-home stress alleviation techniques such as taking a nice hot bath before bed or listening to relaxing music.

Image illustrating a mouthguard for teeth grinding made by a dentist in Albania

7 Home Remedies to Prevent Teeth Grinding

Many individuals, particularly children, experience teeth grinding during sleep. Frequent grinding can put a lot of strain on the jaw and teeth, resulting in long-term issues such as earaches, jaw problems, and broken teeth. Teeth grinding is commonly caused by stress, poor sleep patterns, and misplaced teeth. Whatever the motive, it must be handled. Below are a few home remedies that may be of use.

1) Consider splint therapy

The very first avenue of protection from tooth grinding is splint therapy. Using a tailored dental night guard, biting guard, or splint is required. The guard functions as a physical barrier to guard teeth and ease pain, such as jaw pain and headaches. You could either buy a cheap one at a drugstore or have one specially manufactured by your dentist. They will take an imprint of the upper and lower teeth in order to construct a retainer that exactly fits your jaw. Store-bought versions are not as long-lasting or well-fitting.

2) Exercises for Muscle Stretching

Specific muscular stretching exercises can minimize the discomfort associated with teeth grinding and keep it from occurring again. Among the workouts are: 

  • Maintaining a gap between the lower and upper teeth: Will help prevent grinding or clenching. Except when chewing, try completing this activity at all times.
  • Jaw Exercise: Spread your mouth as widely as you can safely and try to contact the tongue with the front teeth. This technique will assist in relaxing the jaw muscles.

Image illustrating a muscle exercise for teeth grinding

3) Warm compress

If you’re clenching your teeth involuntarily, a warm compress helps the muscles relax and boosts blood flow in the region. Lie down and place a warm compress on one side of your head. Use a heating pad for 10 minutes and then switch sides.

4) Meditate and do yoga

Bruxism is caused by mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety, and sadness. Stress management techniques can improve your overall health. To meditate, rest comfortably and concentrate your mind in stillness for a while. Don’t let the mind drift; strive to clear it. You can also learn to practice yoga, which includes some of the best stress-relieving poses such as pelvic tilts, low lunges, and mountain posture.

Image illustrating meditation for bruxism

5) Consume magnesium-rich foods

Magnesium aids in relaxation and mood regulation. Magnesium-rich products to incorporate into the diet are dried fruit, cooked spinach, bananas, salmon, black-eyed peas, almond butter, and linseed. These will aid in the relaxation of muscular muscles and blood vessels, as well as the prevention of grinding caused by tense or involuntary muscle spasms in the jaw muscles. You can also take magnesium supplements, but you should first see a specialist or dietitian.

6) Consume turmeric milk

Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory qualities that can help relieve painful jaw muscles. Milk also contains the amino acid tryptophan, which helps the nervous system rest and encourages peaceful sleep. If you are not a fan of the flavor of turmeric milk, sweeten it with sugar and consume a glass before resting to achieve the desired outcome.

7) Tea with herbs

Rather than consuming caffeinated liquids such as coffee, you should consume non-caffeinated substitutes. Choosing herbal or jasmine tea is an excellent approach to organically relieve stress and treat the signs of grinding in sleep, which are exacerbated by nervous tension. Herbal tea soothes and calms your body and mind. To decrease the risk of teeth grinding or clenching during sleep, drink a warm mug of green tea prior to bedtime. 

To manage and avoid tooth grinding, the root issue must be eliminated. Stress management techniques, proper meals, and splint treatment can all help with anxiety, stress, or despair. You should see a specialist if it is caused by an underlying medical problem such as sleep problems, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, or gastroesophageal reflux disorder. Keep in mind that practicing relaxation techniques and using the alternative treatments listed above can help ease discomfort. You should also consult an orthodontist if your teeth grinding is caused by the structure or form of your jaw.

Image illustrating tea for jaw pain

A word from us

When you clench and grind your teeth, you have teeth grinding, also known as bruxism.It can occur while you are awake or asleep. Sleep bruxism might be more problematic because you are unaware that you are doing it. Teeth grinding, if left untreated, can cause difficulties with your teeth, jaw muscles, and jaw joints. Consult a doctor if you wake up with headaches or jaw pain. They can help you choose the best remedy for you, which may involve wearing a night guard while sleeping. Stress reduction might also aid in the elimination of teeth grinding.

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