Tooth Grinding Triggers

Teeth grinding is a condition that can cause the development of a number of dental problems. Repetitive grinding of the teeth can prematurely wear down the protective tooth enamel, exposing the sensitive dentine layer and causing teeth sensitivity. The premature erosion of the tooth enamel will also make the teeth more susceptible to tooth decay and other damage. Long-term tooth grinding can also cause problems in the jawbone and the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint), which can bring about significant pain and discomfort.

What Causes Tooth Grinding?

Negative Emotions – Those who want to hide their negative emotions are more prone to grinding their teeth. Instead of lashing out at others about their true (negative) feelings, some individuals choose to keep these emotions to themselves and compensate by grinding their teeth over every frustrating event. Pent-up anger and frustration may have no other indication in a person other than the habitual grinding of their teeth.

Stress – A common way of dealing with stress is to grind the teeth. Much like suppressing negative emotions, stressful situations can be seen by some people as issues that need to be dealt with in a very personal manner, without the need to share it with others. Instead of dealing with a stressful situation by engaging in a relaxing activity, grinding the teeth may be the choice of stressed individuals. Those who regularly have to face stress may experience painful teeth and jaw problems, which are brought about by repetitive tooth grinding.

Crooked Teeth – Crooked teeth affect not only the aesthetics of the smile, but also its proper function. Crooked teeth do not comfortably rest against one another when the mouth is closed. As a result, the teeth grind against one another in an effort to find a comfortable position. Oftentimes, the person does not even realize that teeth grinding is being done just to compensate the improper teeth alignment, until problems with worn teeth and jaw pain are discovered.

Tooth grinding needs to be diagnosed properly and in the earliest possible time, before any other complications can develop from this condition. Grinding the teeth can be avoided by the use of mouth guards, which prevent the upper and the lower teeth from coming into contact with one another - especially during nighttime (when the patient is asleep). Relaxation exercises and proper stress management is recommended for those who grind their teeth as a result of stressful situations and negative emotions. On the other hand, orthodontics can be used to straighten the teeth to avoid the affected teeth from continuous teeth grinding.