What does grinding your teeth mean

This content does not have an Arabic version. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert.

Rochester, Minn. Tooth clenching or grinding. American Academy of Oral Medicine. Accessed Feb. Sateia M. Sleep related bruxism.

Teeth grinding in children Many parents will have noticed the sound of their children grinding their teeth at some point, often as they sleep. The main risk factors for tooth grinding in children include: Pain when teeth are coming through Emotional stress and anxiety Medications such as antidepressants, anti-psychotics Medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD.

Treatment for teeth grinding If you think you grind your teeth, speak with your dentist or other oral health professional. In most cases, a bite splint will only help with the symptoms and will not stop you from grinding altogether. Management of bruxism can include: stress management therapy relaxation techniques cognitive behaviour therapy hypnotherapy good sleep hygiene regular exercise.

Where to get help Your dentist Dental Health Services Victoria provides public dental services through the Royal Dental Hospital Melbourne and community dental clinics, for eligible people. For more information about public dental services Tel. Teeth grinding , Australian Dental Association. Tooth wear in the child and youth British Dental Journal. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No. A doctor might also start you on antidepressants that don't come with the risk of bruxism if the medication could help you cope with stressors that cause you to grind your teeth.

Procedures: Botox injections paralyze the jaw muscles that are used during teeth grinding. Omrani says the treatment, though not approved by the Food and Drug Administration or covered by insurance, has been used since the s and is safe, very effective, and doesn't change the appearance of the face. Behavioral strategies: Psychologists at the Pain Center work with patients to identify triggers and address them through stress management and relaxation training.

Scott uses biofeedback to monitor muscle tension and to demonstrate the relaxing effects of calming techniques and stretches on the jaw, neck, and head. Tags: Expert Advice. Popular Categories.

Popular Topics. Women's Health. Expert Advice. The cause of teeth grinding is not always clear, but it's usually linked to other factors, such as stress , anxiety or sleep problems.

Teeth grinding is most often caused by stress or anxiety and many people are not aware they do it. It often happens during sleep. Teeth grinding can sometimes be a side effect of taking certain types of medicine. In particular, teeth grinding is sometimes linked to a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor SSRI. Examples of SSRIs include paroxetine , fluoxetine and sertraline. If you snore or have a sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnoea OSA , you're more likely to grind your teeth while you sleep.

OSA interrupts your breathing while you sleep. Other factors that can make teeth grinding more likely, or make it worse, include:.