Teeth grinding (bruxism) is the unconscious gnashing, grinding, or clenching of the teeth. It usually occurs during sleep. This process can grind away parts of the teeth, leaving flattened, worn-down biting edges; fractured enamel; and painful or loose teeth.
Although the exact cause of bruxism is not always known, it may be caused by:
- Emotional stress, fatigue, or sleep disorders.
- An abnormal bite or crooked or missing teeth.
- Alcohol or drug abuse.
Talk to your dentist if grinding is causing injury to your teeth. Your dentist will determine which treatment is right for you. A mouth guard may be recommended to help protect your teeth from further damage.
Credits
| Author | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Editor | Alison Allen |
| Editor | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist |
| Last Updated | December 1, 2006 |
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