Teeth
grinding is an oral habit characterized by tightly
clenching the upper and lower teeth in a tight hold;
additionally (and more commonly), the teeth are moved in
a forward and backward motion while in the tight clench.
This type of motion is often carried out at night during
the sleep times and in a lot of cases, a person might
not be entirely aware of the habit. Teeth grinding is
also a habit that is present in a diurnal form that is
manifested as night time as well as day time grinding of
teeth.
The causes
of teeth grinding
The causes
of teeth grinding are considered to be multifactorial
and there can be many triggers that can contribute to
the occurrence of teeth grinding. These contributory
factors of teeth grinding can act as a single trigger or
they can also act in combination. Some of the more
commonly accepted factors that contribute to the habit
of teeth grinding are –
- Stress
and anxiety
- Mal
alignment of teeth
- Jaw
joint disorder
- Nerve
disorder
- Abdominal
disorder
- Ear
problems
- Side
effects of drugs
While
stress and anxiety is considered to be a huge
contributory factor to teeth grinding, the teeth
grinding habit by itself can create circumstances for
further stress leading to a cycle of stress that is
often difficult to get out of, without
help.
The
results of teeth grinding
Teeth
grinding exists in hundreds of people in the form of an
innocuous habit that is outgrown with age and time.
However, in many cases especially where there is a
pathological / organic basis for the existence of the
teeth grinding habit, the condition – known in medical
terms as Bruxism – can rapidly progress into a chronic
condition.
Chronic
conditions of teeth grinding can cause severe damage if
left unattended. Some of the most common damage caused
by teeth grinding are – intense wear and tear of teeth
(sometimes teeth are worn to their stumps), cracks and
fractures on teeth, loosening of teeth or pushing them
out of alignment (in severe cases teeth fall off), jaw
joint disorder, problems of the upper spinal chord,
insomnia, depression and irritation resulting from sleep
deprivation, headaches and facial pain etc.
Prevention
of teeth grinding
While
chronic cases of teeth grinding requires some immediate
preventive techniques after consultations with a
specialist, there are other natural ways to prevent and
minimize the damage that teeth grinding can
cause.
These
include holistic methods of healing the body and
undertaking self help steps to deal with Bruxism.
