Night grinding means grinding your teeth while you sleep and the Bible refers to it as gnashing your teeth. Over many years it will flatten teeth. This flattening can often first be seen as the cuspids, or vampire, teeth flatten and it is can be seen when a patient with this habit smiles.

          Some night grinding patients make a great deal of noise while grinding and their spouses may complain of not being able to get to sleep. One of the first signs is teeth that become sensitive to hot and cold. This occurs because of the flexing of the teeth that happens when they are ground from side to side. Teeth were not designed to flex so they begin to melt at the areas of bending right above the gums. This area can become very sensitive. Over time notches can develop in the roots of these teeth. This is called abfraction.

          Many patients with night grinding develop large bone bumps as the body attempts to strengthen the bone supporting the bruxing teeth. They often have temporal headaches due to the overworked chewing muscles. Sometimes they complain of dreams of losing their teeth. This is probably due to the brain incorporating the grinding pressures on the teeth while the patient sleeps into the dream that the patient is experiencing.

          Night grinding often becomes worse when a patient is emotionally or physically stressed. The primary treatment is aimed at protecting the teeth. The Atlanta Dental Group, PC dentists recommend a mandibular soft guard along with a six week program to reduce muscle irritation. If you are having dental problems and would like to consult with Dr. Padolsky, please call and make an appointment at 404-874-7428.