5 of 16

Write now Article Tools

We have all heard the phrase "gnashing of teeth" and generally associated it with an expression of anger. However the phrase itself is an apt description of the medical term bruxism, which relates to the clenching or grinding of teeth. Whilst the condition can happen at any time of the day, and often we may consciously "grit" or "grind" our teeth, it is more of a problem during sleep, when there is no conscious ability to control the problem. In terms of age, it most usually occurs in children between the age of five and six, and with adults between teens and age of forty.

Clenching is the almost fist like forcing together of the upper and lower teeth. Grinding is the moving of the top set of teeth over the bottom in a pressured manner. Both of these actions can lead to severe dental damage and other physical problems. The latter can manifest itself in problems with muscles around the jaw area, cause distress to the ears and create headaches. It can also lead to other sleep related disorders such as insomnia.

It has to be said that there is no universal agreement amongst the medical professions as to what causes bruxism, as these vary between sufferers. However, there are some general indications.

In relation to the psychological causes, the causes are generally considered to be a result of anxiety, depression and an aggression problem. Indeed in this respect, the phrase quoted at the commencement of this article is not far from the truth. Thus, incidences in life that impact upon this area of our psychological make-up can contribute to the disorder.

From a medical point of view bruxism can result from a number of factors. The most common of these is a miss-alignment of the two sets of teeth. Where the normal bite is not evident bruxism can occur. Similarly other medical conditions such as Parkinson or Huntingdon's disease can be contributory causes.

There are however, other external factors that can also increase the incidence of bruxism, which few people realise. These factors include diet, drugs, caffeine and nicotine. Because of the impact that these stimulants have on our psychological make-up, they can increase anxiety and stress levels, both of which may contribute to the disorder.

Therefore, in terms of identifying the cause of bruxism within a particularly sufferer, all of the above factors have to be examined and evaluated before deciding which treatment would be the most appropriate.

Sources:
http://www .nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/ article/001413.htm
http://www.c nn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00337 .html

Learn more about this author, Paul Lines.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Bruxism causes?
We want to hear your view. Write now!