Bruxism is another term for grinding of teeth. Even if you do not hear the word commonly used, most people experience it at some point in life. For the most part, however, bruxism is mild so it does not constitute a threat to your health. However, there are those that have severe cases of bruxism and need help.

Bruxism is a sleep disorder that causes damage to your teeth while sleeping. It affects more than 20 million people and if left untreated can wear down your teeth and cause headaches, and pain in the ears. Bruxism may also cause pain in the jaw and if you have existing health problems of dental care, it could make them worse.

Many dental patients who have bruxism have teeth damaged as a result. The grinding teeth up and down may cause cracks or chips, dislodge fillings, crown wear and many other problems that can lead to costly repairs. If you grind your teeth at night, the injury can be much worse because your jaws have a pressure that is six times higher in the night while you are awake.

To some medical research, it was found that bruxism may be a response to hidden aggressions, anxieties and fears. People who tend to keep their feelings to themselves are likely to express them in other ways. And during the night, they may unconsciously and uncontrollably gnash their teeth.

Smoking and drinking lots of alcohol or caffeine can also aggravate the condition because they are all stimulants. Try reducing them, especially coffee, a few hours before going to bed. You can drink decaffeinated coffee instead. Bruxism can be a side effect of drugs such as anti depressants.

Bruxism damages not only teeth, but your jaw as well. Known as the temporomandibular bones, this joint is stressed, and can actually harm the muscles that support it and allow it to open and close properly. In severe cases it can also change the shape of the bones themselves. When the TMJ is damaged, people may notice a clicking noise when they move their jaw, pain in and around the area, and may even experience "lock jaw."

Herbal remedies can help to address cases of teeth grinding when associated with depression. Using natural and herbal teas can help many tensions, stress and anxiety. The choice of plants that works specifically for this purpose are passionflower, peppermint, hops, fennel and lemon balm. Drink teas an hour before going to bed for a more relaxed, restful sleep.

If you want to remove the grinding bruxism, you must learn to deal with your stress and / or anxiety. It probably will not pass on its own, you have to deal with it.  If your mind can let go and really rest at night, instead of concerning, the grinding may ease up.