Did you know that the stress of the holidays can contribute to the dental problem of Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. Those with the problem may unconsciously clench their teeth when they’re awake (called, fittingly, awake bruxism) or when asleep (sleep bruxism).
These people are more likely to have other sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea.
Dr. Shelly Shearer
While this sounds solely like an adult condition, it’s not. Research indicates that approximately 8% of adults experience bruxism. Recent studies show that an estimated one-third of parents report symptoms of Bruxism in their children. While most kids outgrow it, some continue to grind their teeth during deep sleep or when they are under stress.
Mild Bruxism may not require dental treatment. For others, it may be frequent enough to cause facial or jaw pain; tension-type headaches; damage to teeth, restorations, crowns or jaw; or disorders that occur in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) located just in front of the ears. It can sound like a clicking sound when you open and close your mouth.
Dentists have often discussed the possible causes for Bruxism, but there is no definitive consensus. It may be due to a combination of physical, psychological and genetic factors:
Stress and Anxiety-New situations, a feeling of losing control, anger and frustration can lead to teeth grinding.
Age-Bruxism is most common in children. They typically grow out of it before too much damage is done.
Personality-Those who are highly competitive, aggressive or suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder have a higher risk of developing bruxism.
Medications and Substances-Bruxism is known to be a side effect of some medications such as antidepressants. Risk also rises for those who smoke, drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages, or use recreational drugs.
Heredity-Sleep bruxism seems to often pass to the next generation. It’s a good question to ask parents and grandparents.
Various Disorders-Unfortunately, bruxism is often associated with medical conditions: Parkinson’s disease, dementia, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, epilepsy, night terrors, sleep disorders and ADHD.
Awake Bruxism has been linked to emotions such as anxiety, stress, anger, frustration or tension. Some believe it may be a coping strategy or merely a habit.
Sleep Bruxism may be a sleep-related chewing activity associated with various dream visions during sleep. Children may grind their teeth because the top and bottom teeth are not properly aligned. It may also be a response to pain, possibly from teething or earaches. For some, the grinding is a way to soothe the pain, like rubbing a sore muscle.
Then there is the lingering question of stress. The Bruxism in kids may stem from worry about an upcoming test or a change in their routine such as discord in the family, a new baby in the house, a new teacher or if they believe they have not behaved well enough for Santa to visit.
We dentists are not psychologists, but most of us have around enough to know how to probe for stress in children. We ask questions such as, “Are you worried about anything at school or home? How do you feel before you go to bed? What do you do right before bed? Are you angry with anyone?”
This gives us information to asses whether the child (or adult) has a physical condition or a psychological cause for the bruxism.
The best thing patients and parents can do is to be on the lookout for these various symptoms of Bruxism:
• Teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped or loose
• Increased temperature sensitivity
• Headaches that start in the temples
• Jaw, neck or face pain soreness
• Damage from chewing on the inside of the cheek
• Sleep disruption and waking others
• Worn tooth enamel
• Increased pain or sensitivity
• Tired or tight jaw muscles, or a locked jaw that won’t open or close completely.
Visit your dentist if you or your child have any of these symptoms. If gone undetected, the disorder can lead to more complicated problems that can affect one’s smile, ability to chew and severe jaw problems and misalignment. Most of all, enjoy the holiday season and try to keep your environment as stress-free as possible.
Dr. Shelley Shearer is a graduate of the University of Louisville Dental School and founder of Shearer Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Florence, the largest all-female dental practice in Northern Kentucky.
Excellent post, congratulations !!!