Teeth Grinding

Robert Lipschutz, DMD, PC

Dentists & Cosmetic Dentists located in Midtown West, New York, NY

Teeth grinding is characterized by the grinding of the teeth and is typically accompanied by the clenching of the jaw. It is an oral parafunctional activity that occurs in most humans at some time in their lives. In most people, teeth grinding is mild enough not to be a health problem. While teeth grinding may be a diural or nocturnal activity, it is teeth grinding during sleep that causes the majority of health issues and can even occur during short naps. Teeth grinding is one of the most common sleep disorders.

Teeth Grinding

Multiple articles have incorrectly cited teeth grinding as a reflex of chewing activity; teeth grinding is more accurately classified as a habit. Reflex activities happen reliably in response to a stimulus, without involvement of subconscious brain activity, and teeth grinding does not. All habitual activities are triggered by one kind of stimulus or another, and that does not make the habit a reflex. Chewing is a complex neuromuscular activity that is controlled by subconscious processes, with higher control by the brain. During sleep, the subconscious processes become active, while the higher control is inactive, resulting in teeth grinding. Some teeth grinding activity is rhythmic (like chewing), and some is sustained (clenching). Researchers classify teeth grinding as “a habitual behavior, and a sleep disorder.”

Most teeth grinders are not aware of their habit, and only 5% go on to develop symptoms, such as jaw pain and headaches, which will require treatment. In many cases, a sleeping partner or parent will notice the teeth grinding before the person experiencing the problem becomes aware of it.

Teeth grinding can result in abnormal wear patterns of the occlusal surfaces, abfractions, and fractures in the teeth. This type of damage is categorized as a sign of occlusal trauma.

Over time, dental damage will usually occur. Teeth grinding is the leading cause of occlusal trauma and a significant cause of tooth loss and gum recession.

In a typical case, the canines and incisors of the opposing arches are moved against each other laterally, i.e., with a side-to-side action, by the medial pterygoid muscles that lie medial to the temporomandibular joints bilaterally. This movement abrades tooth structure and can lead to the wearing down of the incisal edges of the teeth. People who grind their teeth may also grind their posterior teeth, which will wear down the cusps of the occlusal surface. Teeth grinding can be loud enough to wake a sleeping partner. Some individuals will clench the jaw without significant lateral movements. Teeth hollowed by previous decay (caries), or dental drilling, may collapse, as the cyclic pressure exerted by teeth grinding is extremely taxing on the tooth structure.

The etiology of problematic teeth grinding is unknown, though several conditions are known to be linked to teeth grinding. It is theorized that certain medical conditions can trigger teeth grinding, including digestive ailments and anxiety.

Insurance Providers

At the practice of Robert D. Lipschutz, DMD, we make every effort to provide you with the finest care and the most convenient financial options. To accomplish this we work hand-in-hand with you to maximize your insurance reimbursement for covered procedures. If you have any problems or questions, please ask our staff. They are well informed and up-to-date.

Please bring your insurance information with you to the consultation so that we can expedite reimbursement.

To verify your dental insurance benefits, we MUST receive your correct date of birth, name of insurance company, telephone number of insurance company, and subscriber ID number and/or social security number at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. Failure to provide this information may result in cancellation of your appointment. If you should need to cancel your appointment, kindly provide 24 hours advance notice.

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