Bruxism refers to grinding, gnashing, gritting, or clenching teeth. As many as one in three people suffer from bruxism. In most instances, people grind their teeth without realizing it, often in their sleep. It's important to understand the condition and its effects so you can lessen the symptoms and seek appropriate treatment.
For as many as 70% of people who suffer from bruxism, the condition stems from stress or anxiety. People who have a hyperactive personality are also prone to bruxism. Hyperactivity and teeth grinding are closely linked because teeth grinding may be a way to release nervous energy. When you grind your teeth at night, the condition may be linked to sleep apnea, mouth breathing at night, dental occlusions, or psychological issues.
Bruxism has a number of negative effects on oral health including aching jaws, receding gums, recurring headaches, the onset of jaw joint disorders, wearing away of teeth and enamel, losing or fracturing of teeth, and general tooth pain. The average human's tooth enamel erodes about 0.3 millimeters every 10 years. Bruxism suffers may wear away 0.2 millimeters in just two years.
Read more here: What You Can Do to Stop Teeth Grinding
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