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Are you waking up with a sore jaw, frequent headaches, or ringing in your ears? Or, has a friend or partner complained about the noise coming from your teeth that is waking them throughout the night? My wife didn’t realize it until her dentist while she was in college saw the stress from balancing school and work was manifesting itself through grinding and small fractures were showing on x-rays. Let’s face it, we live in Washington, DC so stress is part of our daily lives. Teeth structure can also lead to grinding. So, let’s jump in and talk about teeth grinding, clinically known as Bruxism, and clenching
What’s the difference between clenching and grinding?
Clenching happens when jaw muscles tighten to make one’s teeth come together, but with more force and is involuntary versus an intentional bite.
Grinding is clenching but teeth move back and forth while touching, which is what can create the nails on the chalkboard-like sound.
What causes clenching and grinding?
Most of my patients clench and/or grind without knowing as it is habitual or happens during sleep. Clenching can become a normal part of sitting in front of the computer or during stressful moments such as meetings, grinding isn’t normally noticed until symptoms occur. What are some common triggers for the clench and grind?
- Stress & Anxiety: If work, traffic, or just existing in the DMV has you tense, your jaw might be holding onto that stress too
- Misaligned Bite: If teeth don’t line up properly, the jaw works overtime and the teeth can be more susceptible to grinding
- Sleep Disorders: Conditions such as sleep apnea often go hand-in-hand with grinding
- Caffeine & Alcohol: Too much coffee or happy hour can overstimulate muscles and lead to clenching
- Medications: Some antidepressants and other meds can have grinding as a side effect
Most people don’t even realize they do it until symptoms come about or a dentist points to the wear,
Signs You Might Be Grinding
Not sure if you're part of the bruxism club? Here are some common signs:
- Jaw pain or tightness, especially in the morning
- Clicking or popping in the jaw joint when you open or close your mouth
- Frequent headaches or earaches
- Tooth sensitivity (Cavities are not always the cause)
- Worn-down or chipped teeth
- Your sleep partner says you sound like a human woodchipper at night
Patients often begin by visiting an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, thinking their ringing ears or feeling of “being under water” might be an ear-related issue. However, did you know that jaw and dental health can also play a role? That's why we work closely with ENTs and audiologists to help patients find the best solutions for their symptoms!
The Unintended Consequences of Grinding
Grinding your teeth may not seem like a big deal at first, but over time, it can really take a toll on your smile. Here’s what can happen:
- TMJ disorder: All that extra pressure on your jaw can lead to soreness, clicking, and even trouble opening and closing your mouth comfortably.
- Teeth Shape: Grinding can slowly shave down your teeth, making them look shorter, flatter, or uneven over time.
- Cracks in teeth: Too much grinding can create tiny cracks in your teeth, which can lead to sensitivity— or worse, a broken tooth!
How Does Grinding Lead to TMJ Disorders?
Your TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is what allows your jaw to move. Constant grinding overworks this joint, leading to pain, inflammation, and difficulty opening your mouth. If left unchecked, TMJ disorder can make chewing, talking, and even yawning a struggle.
How to Stop Grinding & Protect Your Jaw
The good news? You don’t have to just live with it! I will always say that preventative care is the best way to prevent any dental issues. During exams and with x-rays, us dentists can determine if one is grinding due to the degree of wear and potential fractures in the teeth. Based on the circumstances, one or a few of the below treatments will likely be recommended:
- Nightguards: Think of these as protective gear for your teeth—a dentist can make a custom one that keeps them from grinding together. Don’t risk using the nightguards from the drugstores as they are not fitted enough to fully protect your teeth during grinding.
- Anterior Deprogrammer: In some cases where patients are having pain in the chewing muscles occasionally we will use a deprogramming device to provide some relief to the chewing muscles and get symptoms to improve
- Invisalign: If your bite is a little off, Invisalign can help straighten things out, by taking some pressure off your teeth reducing the grinding damage.
- Botox for Bruxism: Yep, Botox isn’t just for wrinkles. It can relax overactive jaw muscles and reduce grinding and help improve migraines
- Manage Stress: Meditation, yoga, or even a scenic walk by the Tidal Basin can help ease tension
- Cut Back on Caffeine & Alcohol: Try swapping out that third cold brew for water once in a while
- Jaw Exercises & Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening your jaw can make a big difference
- Restorations: If grinding has already done a number on your teeth, restorations such as crowns and veneers can help bring back your smiles and add a little extra protection for the future!
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It
So your teeth make a funny noise but the symptoms don’t seem severe enough to go out of the way to the dentist? Ignoring grinding can cause serious long-term damage:
- With Treatment: Healthy teeth, less pain, and better jaw function
- Without Treatment: Chipped teeth, receding gums, chronic pain, and possibly a TMJ disorder
Take Care of Your Jaw!
Life in the DMV is stressful enough—your jaw doesn’t need to suffer too! If you think you’re grinding your teeth or developing TMJ problems, come see us! Your future self (and your teeth) will thank you!
Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered! Schedule a complimentary consultation with me, Dr. White, and we’ll take a close look at your teeth, discuss your symptoms, and find the best way to protect your smile.