Grinding Teeth – What is Bruxism
Grinding Teeth – What is Bruxism?
Grinding teeth, also known as bruxism, is a serious issue that can impact many people. It occurs when the jaw muscles become overactive and cause an uncomfortable clenching or grinding sensation. Unfortunately, this condition has the potential to wear down and destroy teeth.
Stress or anxiety can also contribute, as can abnormal bites, missing or crooked teeth, sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea, alcohol or tobacco use, and certain medications like antidepressants.
Dental professionals can diagnose bruxism through an examination and dental history. They may be able to spot symptoms indicative of the problem, such as worn and rounded teeth. Furthermore, they will be able to gauge how hard clenching or grinding occurs so they can provide advice regarding appropriate treatment options.
Some of the most common causes of bruxism include anxiety, sleep apnea and excessive caffeine or alcohol use. It could also be due to an underlying medical condition like Parkinson’s disease or epilepsy.
There are a few easy steps you can take to relieve the symptoms of bruxism and prevent them from occurring. To start, practice mindfulness several times a day to help relax you mind and let go of worries. Additionally, try “dropping the jaw” when you feel your teeth grinding begin.
You might also want to stop clenching or chewing gum all the time. Doing so can train your jaw to unconsciously clench and grind, leading to serious dental damage.
When you find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth, the most important step to take is to stop immediately. Doing so can provide relief from symptoms and help avoid any serious consequences from this habit.
It is essential to get treatment for bruxism as soon as possible, in order to keep your smile healthy and prevent any pain or other dental issues. Fortunately, dentists are well-trained in this condition and can offer effective solutions.
If you find that you are clenching or grinding your teeth, speak to your dentist about getting a night guard. These are typically made from special material that fits over your teeth and helps protect them from being worn down due to excessive clenching and grinding.
Your dentist can recommend the ideal night guard for you and customize it according to your individual needs. They ensure that the guard fits correctly and won’t cause any issues with your teeth.
Symptoms of bruxism can include the sensation that your jaw is grinding or clenching, earaches, headaches, facial pain, a sore neck or jaw, difficulty opening or closing your mouth and cracked or broken teeth. They also detect if there is an underlying medical problem causing the bruxism such as sleep apnea or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disorder). Victorville Dentist
Sometimes the cause of bruxism is unknown, so it’s always wise to consult a dental professional for further evaluation. This recommendation especially holds true for adults who smoke heavily or consume alcohol excessively or have sleeping disorders such as sleep apnea.