2 of 16

Write now Article Tools

Bruxism is a 'habit' of the grinding of teeth during sleep. Its causes can be physical, emotional or reactional. Often, the person is unaware that he is suffering from Bruxism unless he is told. It is normally a subconscious action. As bruxism usually occurs when the sufferer is sound asleep, he is never in control of trying to prevent or stop it for obvious reasons.

Some possible causes of bruxism:

1. Bruxism may be a delayed response to stress in the day. The person is unable to respond to certain mentally or emotionally stressful circumstances that occurs during the waking hours. The person is only able to respond to the stress in the subconscious. At the time when the stressful daytime circumstances occur, the sufferer may be too shocked to respond appropriately to the circumstance. The stress is usually not adequately handled during the waking hours and thus slips into the sufferer's unconscious, often when the sufferer is too busy to fully resolve the reasons for the stress. When the sufferer goes to sleep, his brain does not and when he is in deep sleep, the subconscious mind surfaces the stress that occurred during the day and the body reacts to it in the form of bruxism.

2. Bruxism may also be caused by the presence of crooked teeth or malocclussion. The surfaces of the teeth are thus not able to fit snugly into each other, especially the flatter incisors at the front of the mouth. Often, the teeth on the upper jaw slips outwards and over the incisors on the lower jaw. When a sleeping person gnashes his teeth together during sleep as the jaws clamp down, the gritting sound may be horrendously loud in the dead of the night.

3. Consumption of certain drugs and alcoholic drinks could render a person to lose control of activities. When the drugs and alcoholic drinks have a deep effect on the person, the person is rendered incapable of even voluntary activities and is hence not able to control involuntary ones such as those performed during sleep.

4. Bruxism may also be an inherited condition of people who are aggressive, impulsive or perfectionistic. The negative energy is carried into the night and hence the person grits his teeth.

It is known that bruxism may diminish with age and hence adults who have it may do well to seek expert advice, as bruxism may signify something more serious than just a bad dream. It is best to try and establish the cause of bruxism in a person. For example, if the cause is emotional as in the case of stress during waking hours, the stressful conditions need to be dealt with. Otherwise, the person may suffer more than bruxism, such as a nervous breakdown or other more serious mental conditions.

Learn more about this author, Lokemun Magar.
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!