Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can cause a number of potentially serious complications. People with bruxism consistently grind, gnash and clench their teeth. In most cases, the condition requires little to no treatment, but if it becomes bothersome, it is important to seek treatment to avoid future complications.
Background
According to the Mayo Clinic, some symptoms of teeth grinding include enlarged jaws, increased tooth sensitivity, chronic facial pain and indentations on your tongue. Though the cause is not known, teeth grinding may be caused by emotional and psychological issues such as stress, anxiety and suppressed anger. It may also be caused by an uneven alignment of the teeth and changes in sleeping patterns. It is often seen in young children and goes away by adolescence.
Complications
Routine grinding of the teeth eventually causes them to wear down, which can become painful and require surgery if severe. Bruxism may also cause hot, cold and sweet sensitivity in teeth, headaches, earaches and complications with your temporomandibular joint. It may also lead to insomnia and awaken sleeping partners.
Lifestyle Changes to Relieve Symptoms
There are several ways to help relieve symptoms of bruxism. Relaxing and managing stress during the day can help reduce the likelihood of grinding your teeth at night. To help to relieve pain, the National Institutes of Health advise that you drink plenty of water each day, get enough sleep, avoid eating hard foods such as nuts and candy, and apply ice to the sore area.
Teeth Grinding and B-5
Vitamin B-5 , also known as pantothenic acid, is an essential nutrient for your body to metabolize fats, proteins and carbohydrates. According to Prescription for Natural Healing, Vitamin B-5 can help to lower stress, which may be helpful when it comes to stress induced bruxism. Foods high in vitamin B-5 include meats, eggs, legumes, whole grains and milk.
Further Treatment
You should consult a medical professional if you feel pain or are having issues with opening and closing your mouth. Depending on the cause, your dentist may advise that you wear a splint or a mouth guard to help prevent further damage. If the cause is psychological in nature, it may be advisable to seek professional counseling to help to manage anger or relieve stress.
