Bruxism -- subconscious grinding or gnashing of teeth Published Dec. 5, 2012 By Capt. (Dr.) Christopher Fries 71st Dental Services Flight VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Bruxism is the "doctor word" for teeth grinding or clenching. Specifically, bruxism refers to the subconscious, nonfunctional grinding or gnashing of the teeth. Bruxism occurs in about one out of every four dental patients. Of those patients, only 80 percent are aware that they do it. The factors that cause bruxism can be quite complex and multifactorial. One of the main factors is emotional stress. Stress is the nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it. Stress is not always a bad thing. It can provide a motivational force that helps us accomplish a task or achieve success. People encounter a variety of stressors in their life. Some can be pleasant, like preparing for a wedding, or unpleasant, like getting fired from your job. Whether the stressor is pleasant or unpleasant, it is important to note your body still reacts the same way. Stressors cause a demand on your body that requires it to readjust or adapt. This is also known as the "fight or flight" response. When we are faced with stressors, energy builds up within the body. When this energy builds we need to find a way to release it. There are two types of releasing mechanisms -- external and internal. External releasing mechanisms can be shouting, screaming and throwing objects. These are all very natural. Watch a toddler have a temper-tantrum and you witness natural external releasing mechanisms at work. As we mature, society teaches us these methods of releasing stress are not as acceptable and we learn more positive methods, such as physical exercise, to cope with stress. Bruxism is a form of internal release. Other examples of internal stress release are increased blood pressure and irritable bowel syndrome. Although it is possible to clench or grind your teeth during the day, most occurs at night while sleeping. The duration of bruxism at night is actually only for a short period of time. Most people assume that they grind or clench the entire night, but studies show people brux on average 11 minutes per night in episodes lasting 20 to 40 seconds. What is really interesting is the intensity of the clenching. One study measured the maximum amount of force a person could put on their teeth by clenching while awake. Next, the study measured the same people while sleeping. The results showed that some people experienced greater force while they were sleeping. One possible reason for this is while sleeping, our protective reflexes -- that tell us to stop doing something that will cause us harm -- are not as effective. The most common negative sign of bruxism is tooth wear. Mild tooth wear is normal and naturally occurs from usage as we age. Bruxism usually causes moderate to severe tooth wear, which will appear as shiny flat areas, or wear facets, on the teeth. Other signs and symptoms of bruxism include headaches, teeth feeling loose, chipped teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, jaw muscles feeling tired, sore, or stiff upon waking and ringing in the ear. Being in the military can expose people to additional stressors besides the stressors of everyday life. It is not surprising that patients at the Vance Dental Clinic often report symptoms of bruxism. If bruxism is diagnosed, the treatment of choice is to fabricate a device that reduces the amount of stress on your teeth and helps the muscles relax. The device has many names such as hard night guard, bruxism splint, stressguard, teeth grinding guard and dental guard. Despite all the names, they all function the same way. An impression is taken of your teeth and a custom bruxism splint is fabricated to fit your teeth. It is smooth acrylic that usually fits over your upper teeth and keeps your teeth slightly apart, reducing the clenching. By wearing the bruxism splint you also protect your teeth from the negative forces applied during clenching or grinding. For more information, contact the Vance Dental Clinic at 213-7307.