Bruxism, is the medical term for grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw.

Bruxism can be a genetic problem but it is most commonly triggered by stress.  The problem  is common, with some people not even realising that they’re doing it, but in recent years, the number of people grinding and clenching their teeth has soared to new levels.

Some people are conscious of their bruxism problem, others are not. It’s very common for people to grind their teeth while they are sleeping, so they don’t even recognise there is a problem.

What problems can Bruxism cause?

Bruxism comes with a whole host of problems. The constant grinding of your teeth can wear down your teeth, or cause them to shift. In some cases, this can make eating and drinking difficult. It can cause jaw pain and intense headaches. However, Bruxism doesn’t just affect your teeth and jaws, it can also cause tightness problems in the neck, shoulders and back. This pain can worsen over time, making day-to-day activities extremely difficult.

Bruxism can also cause mental health problems too. It can cause people to become very conscious of their smiles, and as a result, sufferers will often choose not to socialise, and become very introverted.

How can it be treated?

Bruxism is common, but help is out there. Dentists have many ways in which they can treat the problem. Some may suggest wearing a mouth guard to prevent wearing away the teeth. Others may suggest relaxation therapies such as hypnosis. If there is real damage to the teeth, dentists may suggest restorative treatment. There are many options out there. The best option for you will depend on the severity of the problem. Speak to your dentist to see what options are on offer to you.

On the Defacto Dentists blog, we’ve looked at some natural remedies for helping bruxism. Check out this blog post about the plants that can help you stop grinding your teeth during the night.

If you’re not registered with a dentist, but would like some help in beating the problem, we can help you. On www.defactodentists.com, there are thousands of UK dentists who are ready and waiting to help you. Simply search your location on our website to narrow the search. Browse the practices on offer, and read reviews from other patients. Get to know the practice teams and check out what treatments are available. Then simply pick the practice that best suits your needs.