Patient after receiving crowns and veneers.

Patient suffering from severe bruxism, over a third of the tooth surfaces have been worn away.

Most people occasionally grind or clench their teeth during periods of stress and anxiety.

Bruxism — the medical term for grinding, gnashing or clenching of teeth — may seem like a minor bad habit, but left untreated, it can lead to costly dental work and chronic jaw pain.

In most cases, bruxism is mild enough not to be a health problem. However, the American Dental Association estimates 25 percent of people suffer from bruxism severe enough to warrant medical treatment.

According to the Mayo Clinic, bruxism in children is related to growth and the development of the jaws and teeth. There is no consensus within the medical community as to why bruxism occurs in adults.

Bruxism is often associated with periods of emotional stress and tension. Research conducted by the Mayo Clinic found individuals with aggressive, competitive and hyperactive personality types were more likely to suffer from bruxism.

Lawrence dentist Joseph Gatti sees the consequences of bruxism on a regular basis.

“Loss of enamel from the chewing surfaces, flattened tooth surfaces, loosened teeth and fractured teeth are all telltale signs of bruxism,” Gatti says.

The effects of teeth-grinding and clenching are not limited to wear and tear on teeth. The jaw joint is sensitive to movement beyond the normal range of motion.

Becky McClure, physical therapist at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, sees patients suffering from jaw problems resulting from teeth clenching and grinding. When the jaw muscles and joint are affected by bruxism it’s known as a temporomandibular joint disorder.

“The jaw joint works like opening a door,” she says. “For a person that is having jaw troubles, the mechanics are off. Their jaw is opening before the joint turns.”

When grinding and clenching affect the jaw, symptoms generally include headaches, earaches, sore jaw muscles and locking or clicking of the jaw.

Not all patients notice symptoms. Many times bruxism only occurs while asleep.

“It’s not uncommon for me to have patients in their forties and fifties that say, ‘I don’t know what’s happening. My teeth are just falling apart!'” Gatti says. “I could have looked in their mouths 20 years ago and told them this would happen.”

Restoration work comes in the form of veneers and crowns that cost thousands of dollars. The most common preventive methods for treating bruxism are protective appliances. These mouth guards or splints are worn at night to protect teeth from the pressure of clenching and grinding.

Regular dental exams are the best way to screen against bruxism, Gatti says. If you have a sleep partner or roommate, ask them to listen for grinding or clicking sounds you might make while sleeping.

Ultimately, though it may be easier said than done, reducing stress in your life can reduce your risk of developing bruxism.