Teeth grinding and jaw clenching, or bruxism, affect up to 1 in 3 adults during the day and over 1 in 10 during sleep.1 If you’ve developed bruxism and are looking for answers, the following information can help.
Bruxism is a condition in which you unconsciously grind or clench your teeth. Doctors aren’t exactly sure what causes teeth grinding, but there are 2 types: awake bruxism and sleep bruxism. Awake bruxism may be caused by anxiety or stress, and it also can be a habit formed during deep concentration. Sleep bruxism, which is considered a sleep-related movement disorder, can be caused by arousals during sleep.2
Signs and symptoms of bruxism include:3
Note: The symptoms of teeth grinding and jaw clenching can be similar to other conditions or health problems. See your dentist or healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Milder forms of bruxism may not require treatment. However, if your dentist or healthcare provider determines that you need treatment, he or she may recommend 1 or more of the following options:
If you need dental treatment for bruxism, Humana can help. We offer a broad range of dental plans with varying levels of coverage, many with affordable monthly premiums. Some of our plans also feature no waiting periods, which means you could get covered in about 5 days. To see plans and prices in your area, check out our Humana dental insurance page.
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