Q: My husband grinds his teeth at night. What can we do about it?
A: The technical name of your husband's condition is bruxism, derived from the Greek and meaning, essentially, to gnash the teeth. People with this problem are prone to grinding their teeth when under stress or while they are sleeping. This can result in sore jaws and teeth, a dull headache, and, after time, loosened teeth and considerable wear on them. Bruxism can actually crack tooth enamel, which is the hardest element in the body. If the condition is the result of stress, exercise is an excellent way to address it. Exercise is proven successful in reducing stress.
Another possible step for your husband is a mouth guard his dentist can fit
him with to protect teeth at night. The first step is to talk with your dentist
about the condition and determine whether an outside factor, like stress, is
at the root of the problem. An abnormal bite or missing teeth can also contribute
to grinding at night. Correcting those flaws, whether through orthodontic or
prosthodontic work, may bring the situation under control. Your dentist is
the best source for information about the condition and about ways to cure
or alleviate it.
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