Do you often find yourself dealing with mysterious headaches that could be migraines? Is your neck so tense that you hesitate to turn your head, worried you might injure yourself? Do you wake up with a strange, sharp pain in your ear?
When my dentist informed me that I was grinding my teeth down to nothing every night, my initial response was incredulity. I didn’t experience any jaw discomfort or tooth sensitivity—surely, I thought, those were clear signs of bruxism (the technical term for teeth grinding). I had my doubts about this dentist’s judgment, especially since I had never had a cavity before starting treatment with her, which was a point of personal pride. Yet, with each cleaning, I was confronted with the news of new dental issues needing costly fixes.
Then she brought up my headaches. I had convinced myself that the persistent dull pain in my temple was something more sinister, like a brain tumor. She showed me photos of my teeth, ground down to a smooth, shiny finish reminiscent of polished pearls rather than robust molars. Before long, I found myself fitted with a night guard—a bulky piece of acrylic that snaps onto my upper teeth each night, reminiscent of something straight out of a 90s orthodontic nightmare.
Upon sharing my newfound identity as a teeth grinder, I was surprised to discover how many others were in the same boat. It’s estimated that about 20-30 percent of the population experiences bruxism, though the real numbers are likely much higher. Many people might not even realize they’re subconsciously engaging in this damaging behavior while they sleep, putting their dental health at risk. The force exerted during grinding can reach up to 250 pounds per square inch, which is six times more than standard biting pressure—quite alarming when you think about the size of a tooth!
Since acknowledging my bruxism, I’ve met others with similar stories: a woman whose back teeth were cracked from grinding; a six-year-old whose nocturnal grinding is so loud it reverberates through walls; a coworker who goes through three night guards a year; and countless others who have night guards resting in their bedside drawers, akin to the long-forgotten retainer from childhood. Stress is commonly cited as the primary cause of teeth grinding, yet many bruxers I know dismiss this notion, claiming they feel no more stressed than the average person and aren’t constantly grinding their teeth.
There are no benefits to teeth grinding, making it all the more frustrating. It’s an insidious condition; the grinder is entirely unaware of it and has little control over the urge to stop. This seemingly minor motion can lead to extensive damage throughout the body—I’ve even experienced hip pain attributed to my grinding habits. The only solace I find in my plight is knowing that many others share this burden. I picture us all dutifully taking our Valerian Root (often suggested as a calming remedy), snapping on our night guards like boxers preparing for a match, and settling into bed, jaws clenched tight in unison—a silent legion of anxious sleepers.
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In summary, teeth grinding is a widespread but often unrecognized issue that can have far-reaching effects on one’s health and well-being. Recognizing it, seeking treatment, and connecting with others can help manage this frustrating condition.
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