Causes and Consequences of Teeth Grinding
Unawares, you might be sweating or tapping your foot, or worst grinding your teeth at night. All these might be happening while you are sleeping. And you don’t have the slightest idea; unless your bed partner says something about it. Or that you might have paid your dentist a visit, a rare occasion for you, and you’re told something is happening to your teeth. Then you’ll realize that these are your body’s responses to stress. The most worrisome of these symptoms must be teeth grinding. It can have some very serious side effects.
Bruxism
Teeth grinding, also called bruxism is the involuntary grinding, gnashing, or clenching of the teeth, at night or during the day. There seems to be no direct cause, but problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be one; it could be caused by orthodontia (like braces or retainers), or it could just be related to stress. The only sure way to find out the cause is to visit the dentist and have a mouth examination. If the condition is ignored, consequences can be long-term and damaging.
One of bruxism’s consequences are chronic muscular pain and joint discomfort, particularly in the TMJ. Grinding your teeth nightly will surely, slowly wear down enamel, compromising your teeth’s integrity. The eroded surfaces can be prone to small fractures which can render teeth more sensitive to cold or hot foods, especially when dentin is exposed. Chewing properly can be difficultas the jaw can sometimes become stiff. Headaches, earaches and even migraines can disrupt your sleep.
A treatment plan that suits you can be drawn out by your dentist. That will depend if your teeth grinding is muscular, joint-related, or a combination of both. These options are designed to give protection to your teeth and stop the escalation of the grinding.
Bruxism Treatment
There are several options for treating bruxism. Facial massages can help. A customized mouthguard worn at night can be helpful in preventing the contact of opposing teeth. Some get Botox injections to to relax the muscles around the jaw and provide relief. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the budget, you can avail of the one most suited to your condition. The thing is to take action as soon as possible to avoid the consequences of of bruxism. Otherwise, there will be more grinding and, hence, more treatment.
Consulting About Bruxism in Bellevue
Do not ignore your teeth grinding and see us as soon as you are aware. Know that your our dentist at Overlake Dental can help you overcome this condition and prevent it from getting worse.
