tooth grinding The grinding of teeth together when you're asleep is very common. Most teeth-grinders are unaware that they're doing it. Usually they only find out because their partner complains! Grinding of teeth is also common in children, especially teenagers. When a tooth grinder wakes they may feel discomfort or pain in the jaw, shoulders or neck, or have a headache. Another possible cause is stress, dentists believe that teeth grinding is becoming increasingly common, which may be a sign that we live in a more stressful society. Teeth grinding is sometimes caused by the upper and lower teeth not fitting together properly – dentists call this 'malocclusion'. The grinding may be a subconscious attempt to grind the teeth down until they fit together better. Some people who grind their teeth may also have a problem with the joint of their jaw. This can be noticed as a clicking or grating of the joint, or occasional locking of the jaw. Your dentist should be your first port of call. The dentist will tell you if there is abnormal wear and tear of your teeth, and whether the grinding has damaged the enamel. Serious damage to the enamel is fairly unlikely. Unfortunately, enamel does not repair itself, so teeth might need to be crowned if the enamel has been damaged. To help you break the grinding habit, your dentist may make a night-guard for you to wear. This is a plastic appliance that keeps the teeth apart and allows your muscles to relax into a normal position. Sometimes a dentist can relieve the problem by slightly grinding down some of your teeth, so they meet correctly – doing the job you were trying to do in your sleep. If you think stress is a factor, work out ways of reducing it or coping. Look in your local library for self-help books on stress. Anything that helps to relax you, such as massage, yoga or exercise, would be worth trying. You could also try some relaxation techniques click here to help Eliminate Your Stress