While there are not clear and definitive causes of teeth grinding, it is likely the result of one or more of the following issues:
- Emotions such as anxiety, stress, or tension
- Certain medications
- Underlying TMJ disorders
- Physical and genetic factors
- Unhealthy habits such as biting nails, etc.
How do you know if you’re grinding your teeth?
You may be aware that you are clenching or grinding teeth at night, or you may be unaware that this is happening while you sleep. Symptoms that could point to nighttime teeth grinding include:
- waking up with headaches
- jaw soreness or pain, earaches, or facial pain
While there are not clear and definitive causes of teeth grinding, it is likely the result of one or more of the following issues:
- Emotions such as anxiety, stress, or tension
- Certain medications
- Underlying TMJ disorders
- Physical and genetic factors
- Unhealthy habits such as biting nails, etc.
How do you know if you’re grinding your teeth?
You may be aware that you are clenching or grinding teeth at night, or you may be unaware that this is happening while you sleep. Symptoms that could point to nighttime teeth grinding include:
- waking up with headaches
- jaw soreness or pain, earaches, or facial pain
- flattening or “wearing down” of your teeth
- chipped teeth or cracking teeth
- protruding bones on the gumline or under the tongue
How can you stop grinding your teeth?
To decrease teeth grinding at night, you can try to alleviate triggers of stress or anxiety. In some cases, this may be effective, but if you are still clenching and grinding your teeth, it is time to seek professional help to avoid further damage to your teeth and additional facial pain.
Many people suffer from teeth grinding and TMJ disorders, but are not sure where to turn for help. Dr. Snell’s Orofacial Pain Clinic is the perfect place for those suffering from teeth grinding and TMJ disorders. We offer a variety of treatments to help you get relief from your symptoms. We have a team of experienced professionals who will work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your needs. We offer personalized options, so you can choose the treatment that is right for you.
We recently received a letter from one of our patients, and here’s what she had to say about her experience:
“When I first began seeing Dr. Snell, it was for typical teeth cleaning/x-ray visits. During one of my visits, I mentioned to Dr. Snell that I was experiencing pain in my jaw occasionally when I tried to open my mouth too wide or if I held my mouth open for too long when I was getting my teeth cleaned or examined.
After a few questions, I mentioned I had noticed I was clenching my teeth at night. It did not happen all the time, however, if I was stressed, had a lot going on at work or too much on my plate in general, I would bite my lip or clench my jaw throughout the day and even worse at night. It often got to the point where I was clenching my teeth so hard that it was causing terrible headaches and waking me from what little sleep, I did get at night. These actions had been going on for years and I had simply never realized that it was not a normal occurrence. During this discussion, Dr. Snell mentioned having myself tested for TMD and that it might possibly help me.
In all honesty, I had never thought that clenching my teeth might be the cause of the jaw pain, headaches, and lack of sleep I was experiencing. However, I had reached a breaking point and was so tired, worn out, and I just wanted it to stop. I finally decided to get the TMD test and see if it produced any results. After the test, Dr. Snell recommended fitting me for a retainer that I would wear while I slept.
I have been wearing the retainer at night for a month now, and I cannot even begin to express the difference this has made in my life. The difference in the quality of sleep I experienced was almost immediate. For the first time in several years, I was finally sleeping soundly and even entering a “dream state” of sleep. I am sleeping so much better and, as a result, I have become much more energetic throughout the day. I am waking up earlier and I have more energy than I have felt in years. I am more productive and active than I have been in a long time and my overall attitude is more positive as well. Never in my life would I have even begun to think that a simple retainer could make such a difference, but it has made such a difference for me, and I would strongly encourage anyone even thinking about getting a TMD examination to do it. The difference is like night and day for me, and it was worth taking the chance and getting the examination done.”
If you are grinding your teeth or suspect you may have a TMJ disorder, click here to make an appointment with Dr. Snell.
