(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
DENTISTS in Australia have noticed a spike in teeth grinding after the pandemic started.
Teeth grinding can be painful for the teeth and gums, in the joints and muscles of the jaw. At its worst, it can be so painful that it affects the quality of life.
Dr. Alexander Holden, a Clinical Associate Professor, and colleague Dr. Dale Howes, an Associate Professor of Prosthodontics, both of the University of Sydney, have written a very well explained article on teeth grinding in The Conversation, an Australian news site.
They are specialist dentists who teach, research and practice in prosthodontics (Dr. Howes) and community dentistry (Dr. Holden).
The top and bottom teeth are designed to meet when they need to, for example when biting and chewing food, they explain. And that happens only a few times during the day.
When one’s mouth is closed or when one is not eating or chewing, the teeth and jaws are not in contact.
That is why when teeth grinding occurs, the contact could be more than naturally intended. Too much grinding could wear off the teeth in due time.
More than that, the joints in the lower jaw attached to the skull has a disc that controls how the jaw joints move. Too much teeth grinding can dislocate the disc and may compromise its function.
Stress may cause teeth grinding, say Drs. Holden and Howes. Stress can contribute to a habit of jaw clenching or teeth grinding, they explain.
What to do? ‘’The first step is becoming aware you’re grinding and clenching, and making an often subconscious behavior into one that we can control and stop,’’ they write.
‘’Dental practitioners are trained to check the health and status of the jaw joints and the muscles that help you to chew.
‘’A dental check-up can help reveal the signs of teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which can include cracked teeth and fillings, worn crowns or cusps (which is what the elevated edge of a tooth is called) and tender jaw muscles. Tender muscles around the sides of the head and neck are also common.
‘’If you grind at night (ask your partner), you might wake with sore teeth, jaw joints or head and neck muscles. Chat with your dentist about whether a bite guard (also known as a bite raising appliance or ‘splint’) might be right for you. These protect your teeth and jaws while you sleep.
‘’For those who have issues with a sore jaw from clenching and grinding, avoid chewing gum for extended periods of time. Chewing sugar-free gum has been linked to reducing risk of tooth decay but for grinders, it can contribute to jaw pain,’’ Drs. Holden and Howes say.
Teeth grinding is cyclical and may disappear then reappear. It disappears when the stress has been managed, the good doctors write.
It may not be that simple for other people. That’s when they should consult the dentist, they say.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; and Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com/PN
