Clenchings teeths Dental

Clenching teeth is also known as grinding teeth or bruxism. It is a common problem seen in people, that usually occurs during the day and at night while sleeping. Clenching of teeth especially occurs when a person is in periods of concentration, anger, or stress, and often occurs without a person being aware of it. It means that it occurs consciously and unconsciously. Once a person is aware that it is their habit, it can be stopped or reduced by self behavior modification or by therapy. Clenching teeth during sleep is very different from clenching that occurs when awake. During sleep, clenching is not under a person’s control and usually occurs all of a sudden throughout the night when the person is actually into a deep sleep. Clenching of teeth occurs all the time and is repeated many times during the night. Due to clenching of the teeth, it may badly affect the jaw as unusual pressure is applied on the jaw and result in jaw pain and jaw dysfunction. Clenching of teeth during sleep can’t be behaviorally modified and may need a different therapeutic approach. It also may be associated with sleeping disorders. Clenching of teeth is reduced with age, which means that clenching of teeth in childhood is seen more as comparatively seen less in people over 65. Many people tend to clench their teeth occasionally but for some, it is a daily habit and that may result in having problems because of it. Grinding does not occur constantly but rather it occurs at intervals. People who have a habit of clenching their teeth in sleep during night may not be aware of it unless they have been told by their partner or by their dentist who finds evidence of wear on their teeth. Symptoms that may indicate clenching of teeth include morning jaw pain, jaw fatigue or stiffness, clicking or popping of the jaw joints that is worse in the morning, significant tooth wear, and enlarged jaw muscles.