To your partner or family member, your teeth grinding in the middle of the night could sound like nails on a chalkboard, keeping them up. If you wake up with a sore jaw or have teeth sensitivity in the morning, these could be tell-tale signs that you’re wearing down your pearly whites because of this bad habit caused by stress. According to multiple studies, bruxism, or chronic grinding and clenching, can result in a variety of additional problems. Read on to find out other issues this condition can cause and how you can treat it.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is just a fancy medical term for grinding and clenching your teeth. About 25 million American adults unconsciously do this at night, mostly as a result of chronic stress, anxiety, and worry. Sometimes, it can also be a result of having a misaligned bite. While the root problem may be stress, this can be a complicated issue to fix because of all the factors that create it. That’s where custom-crafted nightguards from your dentist come in. These are strong, durable, and easy-to-clean mouthguards that help reduce the impact this habit has on your teeth, keeping your oral health in good shape.
What are the Signs of Bruxism?
Because most people who have bruxism grind and clench their teeth at night, it can be difficult to know unless their partner or family members alert them. However, there are some symptoms you could look out for, including:
- Waking up with a sore jaw.
- Extreme tooth sensitivity in the morning.
- A dull or constant headache throughout the day.
- Visibly worn-down teeth.
- Jaw, neck, or face pain.
- Sleep disruption.
- Damage on the inside of your cheek caused by chewing.
- Pain that feels like it’s in your ear even though it’s actually in your jaw.
If you notice any of these tell-tale signs of bruxism, be sure to visit your dentist as soon as possible. That way, they can assess the damage and offer a custom-tailored treatment plan to prevent any further damage to your oral health. Remember that this can also occur in children, so be sure to mention it at their next appointment.
How Can Bruxism Impact Your Health?
Bruxism can range in severity depending on your stress levels. Because you may be unaware of how aggressively you’re grinding your teeth at night, it’s always a good idea to get your mouth checked out by your dentist. They can alert you to any potential damage and fix it before it leads to more extreme problems. Some additional issues this condition can cause include:
- Cracked or chipped teeth.
- Damaged restorations like crowns, fillings, or bridges.
- Chronic headaches caused by tension.
- Temporomandibular joint disorder that can cause clicking when you open and close your mouth.
The best way to reduce the impact this habit has on your mouth is to visit your dentist for a custom nightguard. These minimize the force placed on your jaw and teeth and can preserve your oral health. With the right preventive measures in place, you can avoid needing expensive dental procedures like crowns, dental bonding, and other restorations down the road.
About the Author
Dr. Bobby Carmen is highly skilled in cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry. With thousands of hours of continuing education courses under his belt, he’s able to provide high-quality, up-to-date preventive care that helps his patients avoid costly procedures in the future. He believes that the key to providing his patients with the best care is advancing his education, which is why he has studied at world-renown institutions like the Dawson Academy and Scottsdale Center for Dentistry. For questions or to schedule an appointment for a custom nightguard to protect your teeth, visit his website or call 405-364-2200.