Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a dental problem that affects many people. Unfortunately, many people are also unaware that they grind their teeth, as it occurs mainly at night during sleep. Teeth grinding can wear away enamel and damage teeth, but it can be reduced or prevented. See a dentist for consultation if you know you’re grinding your teeth, or make sure you’re getting regular checkups so the dentist can diagnose your teeth grinding before it does any significant damage.
What is Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding is the act of grinding or clenching your teeth together. It usually occurs at night. Potential causes of teeth grinding include an abnormal bite, missing or crooked teeth, stress, or anxiety. Symptoms of bruxism include a constant headache or sore jaw.
In the long term, teeth grinding can have many consequences for your oral health. Bruxism wears away the enamel on your teeth, making them more vulnerable to cavities. It can also loosen teeth or fracture them, requiring extensive dental repairs. Long term bruxism also can damage your jaw and cause hearing loss.
Preventing Teeth Grinding
There are several options available for the prevention of teeth grinding. One of the most common is a mouth guard worn during sleep which prevents teeth grinding from occurring. If the cause of your grinding is stress-induced, you may also want to consider changing lifestyle habits to reduce your stress levels.
Certain foods and drinks should be avoided in order to reduce teeth grinding. Anything containing caffeine or alcohol can make grinding worse, so try to cut these out of your diet. Gum chewing should also be reduced, because this trains your jaw muscles to clench, which increases the chances of bruxism. If you chew on your nails, a pencil, etc., try to stop this habit as well. A good way to do so is by placing the tip of your tongue between your teeth, which will relax the jaw muscle.
If you have any questions about bruxism or teeth grinding, or are seeking treatment options, talk to your local Olney dentist today.
About Olney Dental
Olney Dental has been providing comprehensive dental care for residents of Olney and the surrounding area since 1985. We’re conveniently located on the campus of Montgomery General Hospital, and provide care for all ages for children to adults and seniors. We’re also independently owned by our dentists, which allows us be patient driven in our approach to dentistry. Your smiles make us smile! You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Source
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/teeth-grinding-bruxism