Grinding Teeth?

Question

My bf grinds his teeth in his sleep i nudge him to get him to stop it as it ruins your teeth but he does it all through the night has anybody else heard fo this and why do people do it? a dentist would help here if you have any advice

Answer 1

Grinding/clenching teeth is referred to as bruxism. Bruxism is connected to emotional and psychological problems.

Stress - usually nervous tension or anger - is another cause. Even arguing with parents and siblings can cause enough stress to prompt teeth grinding or jaw clenching.

The first step to getting treatment is to recognise that your bf is having that problem. Having regular dental check-ups will enable your dentist to spot any unusual wear and tear on his teeth, although many people find out about their grinding because they keep their friends or family awake at night.

Bruxism can be treated with muscular therapy to loosen the muscles. The bite can be corrected by onlays, crowns or fillings.

If that doesn't work he can be fitted with a special splint or toothguard, which fits on to the lower or upper jaw and is worn at night. An imprint of his teeth is taken and a plastic splint is then made in the laboratory.

The splint works by evening out the pressure in the mouth. It 're-programmes' the part of the brain that controls movement, so the jaw doesn't receive the signal to start grinding. It also creates a physical barrier between the teeth to protect them from further damage.

What Can You Do to Help?
Whether the cause is physical or psychological, your bf may be able to control the bruxism by relaxing before bedtime. Taking a warm bath or shower, listening to a few minutes of slow music can calm him.

For bruxism that's caused by stress, you'll need to find out what's upsetting your bf and find a way to help him through it.

Answer 2

This is called bruxism and is very common. Annoying, but common.

The main causes are stress or a disruption of the natural occlusion (meeting) of the teeth. Some people just do it.

A hard acrylic splint worn over the teeth at night often cures the problem and is easy to provide but takes a bit of getting used to - worth it though because it prevents damage to the teeth and jaw joints and might improve your relationship!

If he snores as well the dentist can help with that too. Then again if he snores AND grinds his teeth it might be time to trade in for a new model.

Happy grinding.

Answer 3

As many people have answered before, it is normal. What no one has mentioned is instead of a night guard, have him ask the dentist about somehting called a Splint. A splint fits on your teeth like a night guard but it is made to stop you from grinding. All the night guard does is protect your teeth from hitting eachother during grinding. Atleast the splint prohibits it. =) I am getting one made in 2 weeks for me. I have to wait thought caues I just had a wisdom tooth pulled Friday.

Answer 4

Lots of people do it and one of the main reasons is stress another is habit, you can have a gum guard made that will stop the noise and protect the teeth it will not stop the grinding I used to grind mine only it can cause TMJ which causes lots of other problems. I am a severe case of TMJ and am awaiting an operation(check my questions) please try and get him to do something about it NOW as it can cause lots of problems in the future check out TMJ.com and you will get lots of info. Good luck.

Answer 5

This is quite common!! They say it is usually down to stress and tension. Get him to go to the dentist whereby thet can make up a custom made night guard. This will protect the teeth whilst he is sleeping!!

Answer 6

The dental term is Bruxing. I do it too. My dentist made a mouth guard sort of like what sports people have, but mine was only for the top teeth. He should ask his dentist.

Answer 7

I grind my teeth specially when i am under a lot of stress. fortunately my niece is a dentist and she has made me gum - guards and i use them. I can tell you i have bitten them so hard already the one is already wearing thin. It is caused by stress i have been told.

Answer 8

7 years ago I've been involved in a car wreck and even since suffered with severe on and off facial and jaw pain. I've tried almost everything western medicine had to offer and had visited countless of specialist, had done ct scans, and therapies but to no avail. The doctors I have been to had persisted that there wasn't anything wrong with me and that almost drove me crazy as I was going through hell from this condition. According to all my symptoms I was diagnosed by a holistic doctor as having TMJ and he had recommended this book to me. After following the recommendation in the book for several weeks, it had changed my life. I got immediate relief after following the unique set of exercises in the book and after 2 weeks the jaw and face pain had completely gone. I only wish I would have ordered this program years ago. It would have saved me a lot of pain and anguish.

Answer 9

Yes it is a common problem, they sell things that you put in your mouth and they protect your teeth in your sleep. Ask a dentist about it, but at least you know now that such a thing exists.

Answer 10

Lots of people do it - I live with a family of them including myself. I had to go & get a device to wear while I sleep because I was cracking all my teeth (5 root canals in 2 years).