In The Silence of the Lambs the cannibal criminal Dr. Hannibal Lecter wore a straitjacket and a special muzzle-like mask on his face to prevent him from doing harm to other people. The sound of Dr. Lecter's breath, hissing, and tongue-slurping is enough to strike fear in even the most hardened of hearts. Then there's that other sound that can remind people of a cannibal serial killer: the slow, methodical grinding of teeth in the middle of the night.

About 40 million Americans suffer from an oral disorder called bruxism, or teeth grinding. All human beings will grind their teeth at one point in their lives, but many people grind their teeth at night. Some cases of bruxism also occur in daytime, usually as a response to stress. Habitual teeth grinding can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your teeth, causing cavities and worn-down enamel. Severe cases of bruxism can also cause major dental damage. If you suffer from teeth grinding, here are some ways to counter the nightly grind.

Causes of Bruxism

Bruxism is very common, and most cases of teeth grinding do not present a serious health risk. Serious cases of bruxism can be caused by the following:

• Reflex action. Most mild cases of teeth grinding are due to reflex actions. Chewing motions are very complicated processes, and people may start grinding their teeth without knowing it.
• Malocclusion and jaw problems. The alignment of the teeth and the structure of the jaw can also cause bruxism. People with braces, malocclusions, or an uneven dental profile are prone to teeth grinding.
• Stress. For some people, grinding the teeth is a response to stressful situations at home, at school, or at work. Most cases of non-nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding that happens during the daytime) are a result of stress-coping mechanism.
• Insomnia. Disturbed sleep patterns are also a major cause of bruxism. If you grind your teeth during sleep or even if you take a nap, your body is telling you that you're not getting enough sleep.

Get a Mouth Guard

A plastic mouth-guard or a dental splint is often used to control bruxism. Dental splints are plastic or polymer devices molded and fitted to the shape of your teeth. A splint may cover both rows of teeth, or may cover only one row of teeth. The splint acts as a barrier that protects the cutting and chewing surfaces of your teeth whenever you grind them or clench your jaw.

While dental splints can be bought over the counter from a pharmacy or a dental supply store, it's best to have them measured and fitted by a dentist or orthodontist. An ill-fitted dental splint may cause some problems in the long run, like jaw discomfort or dislocated teeth.

When You Sleep, Sleep Well

Bruxism is often caused by insomnia or interrupted sleeping patterns. Most cases of grinding teeth occur at night, but some cases even happen during morning or afternoon naps. Bruxism can be controlled if you follow some of these sleeping habits:

• Sleep for six to eight hours. You need all the sleep needed to recover and restore your energy. You need six to eight hours of sound sleep every day.
• Be in the mood for sleeping. Don't force yourself to sleep. When you feel lethargic or you really feel sleepy, heed your body's signal for sleep.
• Stay away from alcohol. Some people think that a nightcap, like a glass of wine or a shot of brandy, can help them get a sound sleep. Alcohol can mess with your nervous receptors, alter your reflexes and nervous responses, and cause bruxism.
• Commit to a sleeping pattern. One of the most common causes of insomnia and teeth grinding is not having a set sleeping pattern. You should set your body clock to sleep at a certain time and wake up at a certain time. The more restful sleep you get, the fewer problems you will have with grinding teeth.

Try Botox Therapy

Botox treatments are not just for cosmetic surgery. Botulinum toxin is a remedy that's used by plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons in small doses to weaken muscles and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. A dentist or an oral surgeon injects a small amount of botulinum toxin into the mandibular muscles. The botox injection is usually enough to stop or reduce bruxism and clenching, but the dosage is small enough to keep your mouth from getting completely paralyzed and immobile.

Botox treatments for bruxism and clenching jaws are expensive, although insurance may cover the costs of botox. You need to consult with your insurance provider to see if your current policy and coverage allows you to bill the cost of the treatment to the insurance company.

Doctors and surgeons still recommend that botox should only be used sparingly. Repeated botox treatments can paralyze and atrophy your mandibular muscles, and render you incapable of chewing or talking. Usually a doctor would only prescribe botox under extreme circumstances.

See a Dentist

If you clench your jaws or grind your teeth, chances are that your teeth have already sustained a lot of damage. When the cutting and chewing surfaces of your teeth have been damaged, you need to see a dentist to repair your teeth, or replace them entirely with dentures if the damage cannot be repaired. Your dentist may also prescribe other medication, treatments, or surgery to prevent you from clenching and grinding your teeth.

The sound of grinding teeth at night can remind you of horror movies, serial killers, and even Dr. Hannibal Lecter himself. With a few simple hints and healthy tips, a sound sleep is just within your reach. The sound and the pain of grinding teeth will never bother you again.