Why Is This Happening?

OK, you are bruxing. The wear on your teeth is not just from normal eating and swallowing. You need to understand why this is happening before you have the bruxism treated and the resulting damage corrected.

Here are some reasons why people brux:

• Anxiety, stress, tension – these situations may be temporary or more on going. They may be related to your occupation, family, social standing, or other situations. The longer the psychological stress is present and the greater magnitude of the stress, the more intense the bruxism and its resulting damage.
• People can be depressed to some extent and not realize it. Bruxism can certainly follow depression. Once the depressed condition is identified the bruxism may intensify.
• Misalignment of teeth – if the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly, bruxism can result. The severity of the clenching or grinding is determined by the amount of teeth misalignemt.
• Posture during the walking hours will contribute to Bruxism. Hunched over, rigid, un-relaxed posture can really get the bruxing going.
• Diet – hard foods like nuts or candies should be avoided. Chewy foods also. And opening wide to eat or yawn may intensify bruxing.
• Sleeping habits can contribute to grinding and clenching. Ideally sleeping on your back with a comfortable pillow will support your head and neck. Sleeping on your side(s) or stomach will cause lower jaw to deviate to one side or the other and create muscle activity in the face. This can set off the bruxing habit.
• Drinking alcohol while taking certain medications such as anti depressants may worsen the bruxism.

We have identified what bruxism is and you have evaluated if you are a “bruxer”. Today we discussed the causes of bruxism. Tomorrow we will discuss ways to stop bruxing.

Yours for better dental health,

Charles Briscoe,DDS