These conditions currently affect 30% of the population and can occur while the patient is awake or asleep. Grinding of the teeth involves moving the jaw with the teeth held together that can cause an uncomfortable screeching sound. This will result in an unaesthetic appearance of the teeth and extreme sensitivity that can at times lead to a loss of function. Clenching your teeth is when the teeth are held together tightly along with tightening of the muscles of the jaw. This will lead to extensive wear of the posterior teeth that subsequently results in collapse of the patients bite. Symptoms include jaw muscle soreness, headaches, migraines and limitation of jaw opening. Common treatment modalities include the use of bite splints or guards to wear at night, stress management therapy, reducing caffeine intake, taking a muscle relaxer before bed and Botox injections to temporarily relax the jaw muscles; DrJEagan.com.
