Teeth Grinding: Risks and Solutions

[Ralph Shields]

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition in which a person clenches or grinds their teeth unconsciously. It often occurs during sleep, but some people grind their teeth while awake, especially during stressful situations. Many individuals are unaware they have this habit until they begin to experience dental problems or are told by a dentist or partner.

One of the main risks of teeth grinding is damage to the teeth. Continuous grinding can wear down tooth enamel, leading to increased sensitivity, cracks, or even broken teeth. Over time, this damage may require expensive dental treatments such as crowns or root canals. Bruxism can also cause jaw pain, headaches, earaches, and disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which controls jaw movement. In severe cases, it may affect sleep quality and overall well-being.

Stress and anxiety are among the most common causes of teeth grinding. Other factors include sleep disorders, misaligned teeth, excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, and certain medications. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment.

[Tobias Williamson]

Nighttime teeth grinding highlights how important proper dental care and hygiene tools are when using mouth guards or splints. Dental practices that rely on equipment like UV lamp KN-4006BL1-D can improve sterilization of oral appliances, reducing bacteria buildup and supporting safer long-term solutions for bruxism management.