Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a condition that affects up to 35 million Americans. It occurs when the person grinds their teeth together, which can cause pain and damage to the surface of the teeth. The causes of bruxism vary from person to person but are usually related to psychological issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
In addition to these underlying issues, other factors may contribute or worsen teeth grinding—including lifestyle choices such as smoking or drinking alcohol excessively; medications like antidepressants; caffeine consumption; age-related changes in sleep patterns; and poor diet choices like consuming sugary food or drinks. Even something seemingly innocuous like sleeping with a window screen open can cause people to subconsciously grind their teeth during sleep due to the cooler air entering through an open window!
If you think you might be experiencing symptoms of bruxism it is important that you speak with your physician who can help devise a treatment plan tailored for your individual needs including dietary modifications, psychotherapy if needed, and/or prescription mouthguards. Early detection will help reduce long term damage from tooth erosion caused by excessive grinding so don’t hesitate – take control of your oral health today!