I Sometimes Grind My Teeth; Does That Mean I Have Bruxism?

If you’ve heard of bruxism (which is a continuous teeth-grinding habit), then you might wonder if you have it every time you catch yourself clenching your teeth. The good news is that occasionally grinding your teeth doesn’t exactly qualify as bruxism. Nevertheless, teeth-grinding might indicate bruxism, and our advice is to schedule a dental examination soon to find out if you should treat it as a condition.

The Definition of Bruxism

Technically, bruxism means that you grind your teeth so often that you don’t always notice it. In fact, many patients with bruxism exhibit symptoms most often at night while they sleep. The causes of bruxism can range from crooked teeth or a misalignment in your jaw to excessive stress in your daily life. However, regardless of the cause, the constant friction and pressure that bruxism places on your teeth can lead to a host of issues, including worn down, sensitive, and damaged teeth.

How to Find Out for Sure

If you notice that you grind your teeth a little more often than others, or if your teeth are growing sensitive and you aren’t sure why then your best bet is to find out if you have bruxism by visiting your dentist. During an examination, your dentist can inspect your teeth for signs of worn, weak, or damaged tooth structure. If bruxism is present, then you might benefit from a custom mouthguard that you can wear at night to protect your teeth from grinding. Your dentist can also recommend ways to reduce stress or appropriate treatment to fix your bite’s alignment to address the underlying causes of bruxism.

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