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 The Bible describes hell as a place of gnashing of teeth, so obviously teeth clenching has been going on for a long time. Bruxism is a response to activation of our sympathetic or “flight-or-flight” nervous system. It is estimated that most be have some Bruxism behavior however approximately 10% have symptomatic Bruxism leading to jaw pain, headaches, sleep interruption and tooth damage. Normally during the day our teeth should be in contact for about 20 minutes while some teeth clenchers may have their teeth together for 40 minutes an hour. Typically during chewing we exert about 25 lb per square inch. A severe teeth clencher can exhibit up to 10 times that amount. Sleep Bruxism has a higher incidence in those with chronic pain, sleep problems, stimulant use such as caffeine and nicotine, and cervical instability. Treatment typically involves the use of a several different oral appliances, relaxation training, jaw exercises, medications, supplements and Botox.
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