It’s amazing when you think about it. 10% of us suffer from tooth grinding, but it is a medical problem that we hear almost nothing about. Can you think of any other medical problem that is suffered by so many that you never hear about?

So what is it?

The condition of teeth clenching (also known as Bruxism) is where the upper and lower teeth are subconsciously ground together. It usually happens during sleep, although some sufferers notice themselves grinding during the day.

Because it is subconscious behavior, a lot of sufferers are unaware they are doing it until problems resulting from the behavior arises.

As stated earlier teeth clenching occurs in about 10% of adults. It occurs in about 50% of children, but fortunately for most children it is a ordinary part of growing up and not something to be worried about.

What problems can it cause?

There are numerous problems it can cause ranging from headaches, arthritis of the TMJ (part of the jaw) and severe tooth damage.

What causes it?

There are many things that can cause the problem. Stress, alcohol or drug abuse can be causes. It can also be inherited or linked to sleep disorders along with other factors.

What treatments options are there?

Treatment options include wearing a mouth guard, taking medication, hypnosis, Botox, counseling and making lifestyle changes. Muscle relaxant may also help.

The thing to remember is that there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer. Everybody should select a treatment that is right for them individually.

What should I do if you think you have a problem?

Like most things, you really need to get more information. A visit to your health care professional (such as your dentist or a doctor) is a good idea. If you want to find out more right now then click here to find out more about tooth grinding.