Grinding and clenching can cause damage to your teeth, chipping teeth, loosening fillings and causing a loss of enamel. It can also cause teeth to become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and liquids. Teeth grinding or Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth. This is a subconscious behaviour done mainly while you sleep this is why it is normally your dentist or hygienist that will first see the wear on your teeth and inform you about your grinding. Many times it is your sleep partner that tells you after being kept awake by your grinding. Some other signs are sore facial muscles, morning headaches and neck and ear pain.
Your dentist may provide you with a night guard, this will help to properly position your teeth and tongue so as to reduce your bruxism. Reducing alcohol intake is also advisable since alcohol has been shown to worsen bruxism.
It is now well known that stress and anxiety play the major role in causing bruxism. If you suffer from bruxism try to more effectively manage the stress in your life. By carefully monitoring and controlling the stress you can often dramatically reduce bruxism.