Excessive tooth grinding, or bruxism, is a surprisingly common condition, affecting about one in ten people.
Even more surprising is that most people don't even realise they're doing it.
Of course, by definition, bruxism is something that tends to happen at night, when we're asleep.
Even the condition known as "awake bruxism", which happens during the day, tends to be an unconscious reaction, which occurs beneath our awareness.
So how does a teeth grinder know that they're a teeth grinder? First of all, their partner, if they have one, will tell them.
Like snoring or sleep apnoea, bruxism is often a condition which affects other people just as badly as the person doing it.
The noise of nocturnal tooth grinding can be quite distressing to listen to.
Interestingly, there is a strong correlation between these type of sleep disorders and bruxism, so if you have one, it's worth looking out for signs of the other.
Secondly, there are the physical symptoms which bruxism tends to produce.
If you have a history of dental wear and tear, or even tooth fractures, beyond what could be normally be expected, then you may be grinding your teeth at night.
A dentist will usually be able to identify patterns of excessive wear that could be attributed to bruxism.
There are also those symptoms which occur in the morning.
Bruxists frequently report aching jaws first thing in the morning, and sometimes even difficulty eating their breakfast.
Other symptoms can manifest throughout the day - frequent headaches and neuralgia are also associated with the condition.
Thirdly, there are certain high risk groups for bruxism.
If you're a smoker, or if you have a high alcohol intake, you're more likely to develop bruxism than somebody who doesn't smoke or who only drinks moderately.
Nicotine and alcohol are stimulants, and it's believed that they cause excessive activity of the fine motor muscles at night, including the jaw muscles.
Likewise, a high consumption of caffeine has an effect, as do certain medications for stress, anxiety or depression.
Finally, a question to ask yourself is are you stressed? Stress is one of the major factors associated with tooth grinding, if not the primary cause.
The Bruxism Association, a non-profit organisation in the UK, reported a 60% increase in enquiries and requests for their services as the effects of the 2009 economic recession took hold.
If you have excessive stress in your life, for whatever reason, then it may well manifest itself as tooth grinding at night.
The more any of these situations or symptoms apply to you, the more likely you are to be one of the 10% of adult teeth grinders.
These things may mean little by themselves, of course, so the idea is to look for patterns over time.
If you think you are a bruxist, then seek advice from your dentist, who may be able to provide you with a suitable mouth guard, and take steps to reduce the level of stress in your life.
Even more surprising is that most people don't even realise they're doing it.
Of course, by definition, bruxism is something that tends to happen at night, when we're asleep.
Even the condition known as "awake bruxism", which happens during the day, tends to be an unconscious reaction, which occurs beneath our awareness.
So how does a teeth grinder know that they're a teeth grinder? First of all, their partner, if they have one, will tell them.
Like snoring or sleep apnoea, bruxism is often a condition which affects other people just as badly as the person doing it.
The noise of nocturnal tooth grinding can be quite distressing to listen to.
Interestingly, there is a strong correlation between these type of sleep disorders and bruxism, so if you have one, it's worth looking out for signs of the other.
Secondly, there are the physical symptoms which bruxism tends to produce.
If you have a history of dental wear and tear, or even tooth fractures, beyond what could be normally be expected, then you may be grinding your teeth at night.
A dentist will usually be able to identify patterns of excessive wear that could be attributed to bruxism.
There are also those symptoms which occur in the morning.
Bruxists frequently report aching jaws first thing in the morning, and sometimes even difficulty eating their breakfast.
Other symptoms can manifest throughout the day - frequent headaches and neuralgia are also associated with the condition.
Thirdly, there are certain high risk groups for bruxism.
If you're a smoker, or if you have a high alcohol intake, you're more likely to develop bruxism than somebody who doesn't smoke or who only drinks moderately.
Nicotine and alcohol are stimulants, and it's believed that they cause excessive activity of the fine motor muscles at night, including the jaw muscles.
Likewise, a high consumption of caffeine has an effect, as do certain medications for stress, anxiety or depression.
Finally, a question to ask yourself is are you stressed? Stress is one of the major factors associated with tooth grinding, if not the primary cause.
The Bruxism Association, a non-profit organisation in the UK, reported a 60% increase in enquiries and requests for their services as the effects of the 2009 economic recession took hold.
If you have excessive stress in your life, for whatever reason, then it may well manifest itself as tooth grinding at night.
The more any of these situations or symptoms apply to you, the more likely you are to be one of the 10% of adult teeth grinders.
These things may mean little by themselves, of course, so the idea is to look for patterns over time.
If you think you are a bruxist, then seek advice from your dentist, who may be able to provide you with a suitable mouth guard, and take steps to reduce the level of stress in your life.