Has a partner ever complained they can hear your grinding teeth at night? Or perhaps you're battling a persistent sore jaw?
You could be clenching or grinding your teeth. You could even be doing it right now.
The good news is that experts say there are ways for adults to manage the symptoms and impacts.
What is bruxism?
Oral medicine specialist, Nicole Heaphy is head of the Oral Medicine Unit at Melbourne's Royal Dental Hospital and an Associate Professor with the Melbourne Dental School, she says teeth grinding and clenching is known as bruxism.
"It's been defined as repetitive jaw muscle activity," Dr Heaphy says and it can happen while people are asleep or awake. It's an involuntary clenching, grinding and gnashing of teeth
Dr Heaphy says, "it's very common" and dentists and oral specialists will "look for certain signs".
"We can see it from their jaw muscles, we can see it from the wear on their teeth, we can see it from where they're biting their cheeks."
Senior dentistry lecturer, at the University of Queensland, Arosha Weerakoon says there are tests to help diagnose bruxism.
Dr Weerakoon – who also practices as a dentist – says she'll ask patients about jaw pain, headaches and difficulty chewing or eating as part of a regular check-up.
"Those can all be a sign of some sort of grinding issue."
What causes teeth grinding and clenching?
Dr Heaphy says, grinding while awake could be indicative of psychosocial factors, while asleep it may be indicative of a sleep pattern issue or possibly be part of a sleep disorder.
There are factors that contribute to bruxism, she says, including caffeine, alcohol, smoking, snoring, stress, anxiety, certain antidepressants, certain antipsychotics and the use of amphetamines like cocaine.
Is teeth grinding bad for you?
The impacts of teeth grinding and clenching can vary.
Dr Weerakoon says patients with bruxism might also keep breaking fillings and have flattened teeth.
"I've had to actually take teeth out in patients that hadn't even been filled, that have literally split in half," Dr Weekaroon says.
Dr Heaphy says grinding and clenching commonly causes tooth sensitivity, broken fillings and headaches.
What can you do about teeth grinding and clenching?
While the causes can be nuanced, both Dr Weerakoon and Dr Heaphy agree that the best way to protect your teeth is by wearing an occlusal splint while you sleep.
It's a mouthguard or night guard, usually fitted and purchased through a dentist.
Dr Heaphy says a splint generally costs between $800 to $1400, depending on the type of splint, clinic and whether you're seeing a dentist or a specialist.
There are cheaper mouth guard options available online and at pharmacies.
Dr Heaphy calls them "boil and bite" because they are usually self-fitted after immersing them in boiling water.
She says they're less comfortable and potentially less effective, although "they're not going to do any harm".
Dr Weerakoon says the issue with over-the-counter mouthguards is "if it doesn't fit properly, it's going to be bulky and annoying".
Dr Heaphy says making someone aware of their grinding or clenching during the day can help them reduce it.
Relaxation techniques, whether it's meditation or apps that encourage mindfulness to reduce anxiety can also help.
Dr Weerakoon agrees that managing anxiety, sleep hygiene and cutting down on caffeine and alcohol might have a positive impact.
Botox is a more "extreme" option, she says.
While she doesn't offer it, she says it works by "reducing the activity of the muscle".
She says patients should consider cost and longevity because "botox obviously will wear out".
Both Dr Weerakoon and Dr Heaphy say that if you have bruxism concerns you should speak with your dentist first.
This is general information only. For detailed personal advice, you should see a qualified medical practitioner who knows your medical history.
