The Tribune

By Dr Sparkman Ferguson

ONE of the funniest things that dentists encounter happens when a person who lives alone adamantly declares that they never grind their teeth. This is funny because one is usually asleep when teeth grinding is happening, thus requiring another to inform us of the event.

I have heard my children grinding their teeth, and my spouse has heard me grinding my teeth. Apparently, it is a common occurrence. However, teeth grinding becomes a dental concern when persons begin to get dental signs or symptoms related to the event.

An occasional night grinding event does not appear to be a problem, however, if it is a nightly occurrence, dental treatment may be indicated.

What causes teeth grinding?

Although it cannot be proven, stress is considered the main culprit in teeth grinding. Experts believe that daytime stress is carried over into the evening, and we continue stressing during sleep.

What is teeth grinding like?

Grinding the teeth is an unconscious exercise that probably cannot be reproduced in our waking state. Having heard it, my scientific explanation is that something (possibly psychological) triggers the muscles of mastication and sends them into spasms. There is rapid firing of the nerves that twitch the muscles, causing the muscles to move rapidly thereby pushing the bottom jaw in many directions. This rapid movement of the jaw causes the teeth to slide in an unusual way over the upper teeth thereby producing the “clattering” sounds heard from the grinder.

What are the symptoms of teeth grinding?

The main symptom is that persons awake the following morning with sore and painful teeth. Other symptoms include tired jaws, facial pain, and sore jaw muscles.

What are the signs of teeth grinding?

The signs of teeth grinding become important for the dental doctor to notice in the absence of teeth grinding symptoms. Such persons may have broken teeth, or show a distinct wear pattern on the teeth. This is of importance clinically because as the teeth wear down, there is a change in what dentists call the “vertical dimension”. This vertical change (though treatable) is complicated and may also cause undesired TMJ (temporomandibular joint) changes.

Management of teeth grinding

Chronic teeth grinders probably need a combination of dental and psychological interventions in order to cure the teeth grinding concern.

The dentist usually prescribes a mouth guard, which is worn at night to stop the upper teeth from being in contact with the lower teeth. This prevents teeth damage. Most persons are happy enough to end the therapy here and not venture further into the psychological realm for “stress treatment and management”.

Anecdotal thoughts

It has long been said in unscientific circles that grinding of the teeth in children was a sign of intestinal worms. This has proven to be true in some instances. Likewise, the crushing and eating of ice cubes has been associated with low blood iron.

Conclusion

It is probable that most persons have ground their teeth at some point. This oral event is only an issue when it produces signs and symptoms. The symptoms are easily treated, but if the concern is discovered through the signs, it can be more complicated to manage. As far as investigations have gone, the results show that teeth grinding is manageable but not preventable.