Buzz
In September, Dr. Tammy Chen, a Manhattan-based dentist, penned a piece for the New York Times, describing how, since reopening her practice in June, she has observed a rise in patients presenting with cracked teeth. Considering the ongoing global pandemic and the tension-filled election season, this isn’t surprising. These stressful events often lead to teeth grinding or clenching, which can result in damaged teeth, sometimes multiple fractures.
Many people aren't aware that they are grinding or clenching their teeth, so it may come as a shock when their dentist attributes a fractured tooth to this habit. If you think you might be grinding or clenching your teeth, here are a few signs to look out for—preferably before you end up with a cracked tooth.
What Causes Teeth Grinding and Clenching?
Like Dr. Chen, Dr. Todd Bertman, a dentist with nearly 20 years of experience and the owner of Advanced Dental Arts, has noticed a rise in bruxism—the medical term for grinding, gnashing, and clenching teeth. 'The prevalence of grinding and clenching has skyrocketed,' he shares with Mytour. 'Dentists have always been addressing this issue because it's something they can observe clinically. Most patients don’t realize they’re doing it until it's too late, and their teeth break, chip, or even shift.'
Dr. Bertman explains that bruxism is seen as a neurological response, influenced by physical, psychological, and genetic factors. 'It often happens during sleep but can also occur when awake, particularly during moments of focus,' he says. Stressful situations can heighten both the frequency and intensity of bruxism, with clenching and grinding exerting tremendous pressure on the teeth. Additionally, medications like Adderall and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can also contribute to the condition.
What are the symptoms of bruxism?
While your dentist may be the first to identify signs of teeth grinding or clenching during an exam, there are several indicators you can watch for yourself. Dr. Bertman suggests looking out for the following:
Teeth wear
Excessive tooth marks
Cracked teeth
Sensitivity to cold
Misaligned teeth
Enlarged jaw muscles (giving a square jaw appearance)
Jaw pain upon waking
Headaches upon waking, particularly at the temples (temporal muscles) or forehead (frontalis muscle). Dr. Bertman notes that this symptom is typically associated with clenching, not grinding.
It's also crucial to be mindful of how you're using your teeth, as Chen highlights in her article:
Are your teeth touching right now? Even as you're reading this? If so, it's a clear indication that you might be causing harm. Your teeth should never be in contact throughout the day, except when you're eating or chewing. Your jaw should remain relaxed, with a small gap between your teeth when your lips are sealed. Pay attention, and try to stop yourself from grinding if you notice it happening.
What treatment options exist for grinding or clenching?
One of the most common treatments for bruxism is wearing a night guard, which can 'act as a physical barrier, helping to absorb and distribute the pressure,' as Chen explains. While over-the-counter night guards can be found at your local drugstore, Bertman advises against them, as they tend to be too soft and might even worsen your grinding or clenching. Instead, he recommends a custom-fitted night guard from your dentist.
Another potential treatment is Botox. Bertman explains that Botox can help slow down and limit the full range of motion of the muscles, and it tends to be most effective when used alongside a night guard.
Ideally, treatment for grinding or clenching would help prevent tooth fractures, but it's still possible to crack a tooth even while wearing a night guard. 'Bruxism can be incredibly damaging to your daily life,' Bertman explains. 'If you think this might be an issue for you, the best course of action is to consult with your dentist.'
