According to the American Sleep Association, 10% of adults are affected by bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding. Occasional teeth grinding is usually harmless, but consistent teeth grinding can cause damage to your teeth.
Causes of Bruxism
Teeth grinding can be caused by a variety of things. Though it mostly occurs during sleep, it can also be caused by stress and anxiety. Night grinding can be caused by an abnormal bite, crooked teeth, or a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea.
Signs of Bruxism
Unsure if you grind your teeth in your sleep? Signs of bruxism include:
• Dull, constant headache
• Sore jaw after waking
Teeth grinding can be loud, and many people discover that they suffer from bruxism due to a loved one overhearing it at night.
Protect Your Teeth With a Night Guard
Failure to stop grinding your teeth can result in fracturing, loosening, or even losing teeth. There are several things you can do to stop your teeth grinding.
• Straightening your teeth may prevent further grinding. Check with your dentist to find a solution that will help you, as there are many different ways to straighten teeth. Most ways, such as braces or Invisalign, can also be used to fix an abnormal bite.
• Many dentists will recommend that you stop chewing gum, to prevent your jaw from becoming familiar with the clenching motion.
• Consumption of caffeine can also increase the tendency to clench your teeth.
• Stress-reduction techniques can also help to reduce teeth grinding. Consult with your doctor or dentist to learn how to reduce your stress and anxiety.
• Another option is to use a night guard. Your dentist can take an imprint of your mouth to make a night guard that will fit you perfectly.
If you are experiencing problems with bruxism, contact Sunset Dental Care. Call us at (801)-773-1533 to schedule an appointment in Sunset, UT today!