If you grind your teeth or clench your jaws constantly, you have a habit known as bruxism.  It is estimated that bruxism affects up to 10% of the population.  Bruxism can be present in both children and adults.  Bruxism can occur during sleep when you are not aware of it and during the day when you may be aware of it.  Some people constantly clench or grind their teeth during the day, without being aware of it.  If bruxism occurs during the day when the person is awake, usually there is no grinding of the teeth. Instead, they are usually clenching their teeth.  Those who grind their teeth or clench while asleep typically have other sleeping disorders, such as sleep apnea and snoring.  Sleep apnea occurs where there are pauses in breathing during sleep.  Sometimes the person may not be aware that they are clenching or grinding their teeth if it usually happens during sleep.  Often, a spouse will hear the grinding and notify the person.  It is essential to recognize the signs and speak to your dentist.

(more…)