Bruxism Cause & How to Prevent Tooth Grinding

Bruxism is also known as “tooth grinding”, it is a condition in which individuals unconsciously grind or rub their teeth during sleep. Toothing grinding mysteriously has no root cause, and dental specialists probably have got no clues. It is almost impossible to realize if one has teeth grinding if one is still a teenager. Because bruxism mostly occurs during sleep, it is hard to figure it out bruxism by yourself unless your parents realize it. 

Bruxism is also considered a habit or a genetic disorder, this is something that some people are born with. It is a genetic disorder that is caused by an abnormality in the genetic makeup of an individual. This is why tooth grinding is more common in children. There are some common causes that can progressively worsen this condition such as stress and anxiety. The more stressed you are, the worse your tooth-grinding becomes. 

What does tooth grinding do to your teeth?

I have had tooth grinding since my early childhood or another way to say it, I was born with it. Every time I woke up in the morning, I felt pain in my upper and lower jaw. But I never realized the cause and nor did I visit a dentist to know the cause. Later when I first traveled with a group of friends, one of them ask me jokingly, what did I chew at midnight harshly and continuously?

When a visited a dentist, he said I have bruxism. The doctor paid attention to my teeth and said that the canine and molar teeth are worn out. 

If tooth grinding is left untreated, it will lead to dental sensitivity, worn tooth enamel, and loss of teeth. You will feel pain constantly in your jaw every time you wake up. There are several types of bruxism, the one which occurs during sleep, is called sleeping bruxism. To seek dental care, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of tooth grinding from early childhood. 

What drink or food can deteriorate bruxism?

Drinks such as caffeine and alcohol contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety which eventually deteriorate your bruxism. Considering your tooth health, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol and any beverage containing caffeine. People who struggle with tooth grinding should not drink before going to bed. If you are a coffee lover and have tooth grinding habit, it is much better to drink in the morning. Drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages in the latter of the day can trigger muscles to hyperactivity, which results in midnight clenching your teeth. 

Can tooth grinding be cured permanently?

Bruxism is a lifetime health problem and can never be cured. I have had tooth grinding and sought countless specialists to find a way to stop my teeth from eroding. Because bruxism is also linked to feelings of stress and life pressure, special treatment can reduce its frequency. We suggest you not seek ways to stop tooth grinding but find a treatment that can help you to reduce it. 

What treatments can help with bruxism frequency?

There are several ways to help tooth grinding, but one practical existing treatment can really help, which costs some money. Some people with tooth-grinding problems tend to take stress and anxiety treatment relievers while others use tooth retainers. Normally, people use retainers after dental braces to keep their teeth aligned in the new position. 

However, some dentists suggest wearing a pre-made night guard which clearly doesn’t fit your gums and teeth. Here is a proven tooth-grinding treatment that will surely help, which I have been using. 

Make a dental appointment and ask to create a pair of retainers for up and bottom teeth. It is important to remind your dentist that you need retainers for bruxism not brace purposes. While the functionality between two retainers varies, the retainers which are made from tooth grinding is a bit loose and meant to protect your teeth from eroding. But the retainers which are made for braces functionality, are supposed to keep your teeth from relocating as well as tightening them. 

Using retainers to prevent your tooth from wearing out is the best option but it comes with some cost. If you grind your teeth every night like me, you will need to get new pair of retainers every year at least. 

You will not grind your teeth instead your will grind the retainers which keep wearing out. If you want your teeth to not wear out, you have to wear retainers every night when going to bed. Keep in mind that you should brush your retainers with toothpaste every morning right after taking them off. 

Wearing retainers every night can be annoying at first, but you will soon get used to them and will appreciate the treatment for saving your precious teeth.