Teeth grinding is a condition whereby one excessively grinds or clenches their teeth. Typically grinding and clenching occurs mostly when sleeping but some individuals may grind and clench during the day also. Teeth grinding is also called as bruxism.

SYMPTOMS OF TEETH GRINDING/BRUXISM

Signs and symptoms of bruxism may include:

• Teeth grinding or clenching, which may be loud enough to wake up our sleep partner
• Teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped or loose
• Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of our tooth
• Increased tooth pain or sensitivity
• Tired or tight jaw muscles, or a locked jaw that won't open or close completely
• Jaw, neck or face pain or soreness
• Pain that feels like an earache, though it's actually not a problem with our ear
• Dull headache starting in the temples
• Damage from chewing on the inside of our cheek
• Sleep disruption

CAUSES OF TEETH GRINDING/BRUXISM

• Awake bruxism - It may be due to emotions such as anxiety, stress, anger, frustration or tension. Or it may be a coping strategy or a habit during deep concentration.
• Sleep bruxism -It may be a sleep-related chewing activity associated with arousals during sleep.

COMPLICATIONS OF TEETH GRINDING/BRUXISM

In most cases, bruxism does not cause serious complications. But severe bruxism may lead to

• Damage to our teeth, restorations, crowns or jaw
• Tension-type headaches
• Severe facial or jaw pain
• Disorders that occur in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), located just in front of our ears, which may sound like clicking when we open and close our mouth

Grinding of Teeth in Children

There are two phases of teeth grinding in children
When their teeth emerge
When their permanent teeth set in
Most children lose the teeth grinding habit after that period. Other conditions in children that lead to teeth grinding include nutritional deficiencies, worm infestations, psychological factors like anxiety and stress, endocrine disorders, and incorrectly aligned teeth.

Risk Factors 

•  Genetics. Sleep bruxism runs in members of the same family.
•  Aggressive or competitive persons are more at risk of developing bruxism.
• Young children are at a higher risk than adults.
•  Constant stress or anxiety.
•  Side effect of antidepressants.
•  Caffeine-rich diet.
•  Excessive alcohol intake.
•  Tobacco smoking.
•  Disorders like epilepsy, ADHD, sleep-related disorders like sleep apnea, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR TEETH GRINDING/BRUXISM

CINA

Useful a medicine for bruxism in children which mostly occurs during sleep at night. There may also screaming of child at night.Useful when there is foul breath and frothy saliva.Suited when the child is highly irritable, ill-humored and may tend to bite and strike others.Mostly recommended in cases of teeth grinding because of worm infestation.

 SANTONINUM

Very effective for bruxism caused by worm infestation. It works well both for grinding as well as clenching of teeth during sleep. Restlessness during sleep may also be a symptom, along with an itchy nose and abdominal pains.

 CHAMOMILLA

Useful for bruxism in those patients who are prone to getting frequent fits of violent anger. Suited to those individuals who may be very obstinate and quarrelsome. There may be sensitiveness to noise and pain. Very effective for bruxism in children during dentition.

 BELLADONNA

Very useful medicine for bruxism which is accompanied by throbbing pain in head. Given when the patient’s face may turn red along with the headache.There is mood swings,forgetful and suffer from mental confusion.Also given when patient is restless and delirious.

ARSENIC ALBUM

Very effective medicine for bruxism with intense anxiety and restlessness.Given when patients suffer from fears, cannot find rest in one place, and are prone to shifting places. Given when patients grind their teeth while asleep.

PLANTAGO

Very effective medicine for bruxism when teeth grinding occurs along with severe tooth pain and sensitivity. Useful when grinding of teeth takes place at night. There may be a feeling of soreness in the teeth along with increased salivation.Also recommended when pain in the ears may accompany the grinding of teeth.

RL52