If you noticed that at night and during the day, your jaw feels tight and painful, you might have a condition called bruxism or commonly referred to as teeth grinding. You may unconsciously clench or grind your teeth when awake or during sleep. Some people may not be aware of their teeth grinding habits until significant complications develop. Teeth grinding can be caused by stress, habit, abnormal bite alignment, missing teeth, or crooked teeth.
How teeth grinding affects your health?
If you have chronic teeth grinding problems, the grinding habit can severely impact you beyond your dental health. Some health issues may include:
- Fractured, chipped, or flatten teeth.
- Wear and tear of tooth enamel.
- Increase tooth sensitivity and pain.
- Jaw and muscle pain.
- Damaging the jaw bone.
- Abnormal bite.
- Headaches.
In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can wear down the teeth severely that you may require major dental procedures to restore the teeth. These major dental procedures may include bridges, crowns, root canal, and even implants to restore the lost teeth. Not only can grinding damage your teeth, but severe grinding can also affect your jaw and change the way your face may look. Chronic teeth grinding affects more than just your teeth.
What and how can I stop grinding my teeth?
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, it’s time to see your dentist. Your dentist can properly fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth from the wear and tear from grinding. The mouth guard is worn when sleeping.
If stress is causing you to grind your teeth, ask your dentist how you can reduce stress. Exercising and attending stress counseling can help you reduce teeth grinding habits.
Reduce the consumption of caffeinated beverages and avoid or reduce the use of alcohol. Studies have demonstrated that the consumption of alcohol and caffeine can lead to teeth grinding.
Consciously practice good mouth and jaw positioning to change poor behavioral habits. Ask your dentist to show you how to best position your mouth and jaw.
If the cause of teeth grinding is diagnoses, treatment for tooth grinding can be effective. However if the cause of teeth grinding cannot be determined, then wearing mouth guard can be effective at managing wear and tear that grinding can have on your teeth.
Be sure to contact California Dental Group at 800-407-0161 to make an appointment if you have concerns about teeth grinding.
