Teeth can become the brunt of stress for many.

Bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching, is a common symptom of stress that exerts extreme pressure on the teeth, local dentists say.

Many dentists claim that nighttime clenching or grinding can exert up to 600 pounds of pressure per square inch.

Bruxism by the numbers

-- More women than men brux

-- 95 percent of us will brux at some point, but only 22 percent are aware of it

-- 54 percent of Americans are concerned about the levels of stress in their everyday lives

-- 62 percent of Americans said work has a significant impact on their stress levels

-- 45 percent of sleep partners say they toss and turn because of their partner's sleeplessness over stress

-- 51 percent of Americans are losing sleep over stress

bruxism101.com

"The jaw can generate an enormous amount of force," said Dr. Mark Birnbach, of Boulder Smiles, 1636 16th St. "We've had people come in who woke up to a severe toothache -- and they actually split the tooth because they were grinding."

Broken and chipped teeth, worn enamel, teeth rubbed flat, neck pain, sore jaw muscles, even migraine headaches have been linked to teeth grinding, local dentists say.

Dr. Lisa Kalfas, of Cosmetic Dentistry, 2300 Canyon Blvd., said that although the jaw muscles are strong and the teeth are built to withstand the pressure, sometimes the force can be too much.

"In extreme cases, something's got to give," Kalfas said. "In some cases, the teeth wear down and break."

The dentists said reducing stress or getting fitted for a mouthpiece can help.

"If we're just dealing with stress and it's just for a limited amount of time, then a nightguard can definitely help protect the teeth," Kalfas said. "In some cases it can even help break the cycle of grinding."

But sometimes, the grinding goes beyond stress.

Some grind due to a bad bite or spinal alignment issues.

"If there is a structural imbalance -- and that can be anywhere from the feet up to the top of the head -- research has shown that as little as a quarter inch leg discrepancy can make a difference in your bite," Birnbach said.

The imbalance has the body compensating itself to keep the eyes parallel to the horizon, which can throw the jaw off, Birnbach said, Waking up to a sore jaw, sore teeth or an irregular bite can be indications of night grinding.

Kalfas said if there is any indication of tooth pain, go to the dentist.

"A dentist will be able to eliminate grinding as a possibility," Kalfas said.

For those with a fear of dentists, Birnbach said there aren't any needles or drilling involved.

If the grinder lets the problem go on too long, there most likely will be pain and aesthetic damage, Birnbach said.

"Over time, they'll wear the teeth down," Birnbach said. "The teeth can get shorter and chipped, your nose and chin get closer and closer so you get more lines around your face. But it also means there's a continual battle going on between your teeth, where they sit, and the muscles of your jaw and your jaw joint."

"Unfortunately, like most things, waiting until it gets to the point where you can't deal with it makes it much worse than dealing with it when it's simpler."