The Truth Behind Teeth Grinding

Dentist Shoreline

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, may seem common, but the causes and symptoms can be very serious. There are many issues that cause clenching and grinding, one being stress. In fact, according to an American Dental Association survey of dental professionals, more than half saw an increase of patients with a dental condition associated with stress. Teeth grinding and clenching can lead to chipped and cracked teeth, and early symptoms of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder such as jaw pain and headaches.

Clenching and grinding can happen both during the day and night. One of the most common causes of daytime clenching is an improper bite alignment, where the upper and lower jaw don’t fit properly together. Night time grinding can be more severe and be caused by underlying issues like an upper airway restriction, that is related to a constricted space in their nasal passageway and mouth. Oftentimes, there is not enough room for the tongue to fit properly, which can cause it to block the airway and eventually lead to sleep apnea. 

Dr. Brenner and his dedicated team at Bright 32 have years of experience helping numerous patients in evaluating their bite alignment and other factors that could lead to clenching and grinding. If you experience any symptoms of clenching and grinding, and are looking for relief that will last, schedule a virtual consultation with Dr. Brenner to discuss how he can help you.