It is estimated that 82 million Americans are damaging their teeth from teeth grinding, also called bruxism.
"Grinding can cause a number of problems, such as seriously wearing down your teeth, loosening the teeth, gum reduction, jaw joint problems and may be a cause of headaches during the day," says Dr Michael Apa, DDS, who boasts a celebrity clientele which includes Matt Dillon, Chloe Sevigny, Bridget Hall and Vera Wang.
Michael Liberto, DDS says it is important to get treatment to stop tooth damage and pain. "Teeth grinding is a mostly unconscious habit; most patients are not aware that they grind their teeth," he says. "It is probably not possible to stop the habit, but once recognized can be successfully managed to prevent or minimize tooth damage, fractures, wear and pain, aggravating periodontal (gum) issues, and complicating TMJ symptoms and related facial pain, mostly related to muscle spasms."
Most people will grind or clench their teeth occasionally, but when it happens on a regular basis, it can cause damage to your teeth and pain in your jaw. Dr Liberto lists the following as causes of teeth grinding:
Dr Apa says that it is important to schedule regular dental appointments so your dentist can screen for signs of teeth grinding and can treat you for it before it causes too much damage to your teeth.
"I encourage patients to train themselves not to clench or grind their teeth. If you notice that you clench or grind during the day, position the tip of your tongue between your teeth. This practice trains your jaw muscles to relax," he says.
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