Reasons Behind Teeth Grinding
Many people are unaware that they are actually grinding their teeth since they usually do it at night. Although intermittent clenching of the teeth is not typically harmful, persistent grinding can have a negative effect on both your teeth and your jaw bones.
In many cases, this condition is a result of stress or anxiety. When people feel anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed, it is natural to tense the body. This can include the jaw, which can lead to eventual teeth grinding.
Other common factors that contribute to bruxism include missing teeth, crooked teeth, misaligned bites, and sleep disorders like sleep apnea. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues can also lead to the development of bruxism.
Symptoms of Bruxism
One of the most common symptoms associated with teeth grinding is tooth pain. However, there are several other symptoms that you may experience as a result of this condition. These include:
- Experiencing headaches, especially upon awakening
- Teeth that appear worn down or eroded
- Teeth ends that appear to be flattened
- Tight feeling in the face when waking up
- Jaw, neck, and face pain without any known cause
- Loose teeth
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with our team at Gentle Dental Care right away. We offer treatment options that can help to protect your teeth.
Available Treatment Options
Several treatment options are available to help you overcome bruxism. These include:
- Mouth guards and splints that are custom-fitted to keep your teeth from grinding
- Dental corrections to help correct worn teeth and other dental problems
- Strategies that can help you cope with stress if that is the cause of your bruxism
- Behavior changes designed to help keep your jaw in a specific position
- Medications that can help relax the muscles in your face and jaw
- Biofeedback monitoring equipment that can teach you muscle activity control
Schedule a Consultation Today
Not treating bruxism in a timely manner can negatively affect your oral health. This makes it vital that you act quickly to get started on a treatment option that works best for you.
We encourage you to reach out to our team at Gentle Dental Care as soon as possible by calling 732-549-5660 to schedule an appointment at our Edison, NJ, office. Our doctors can meet with you to discuss your symptoms and help determine the most appropriate treatment option for you.
Our dentists are all committed to combining their leading cosmetic dentistry and family dentistry expertise with one-on-one care while remaining committed to meeting and exceeding patient’s expectations. We provide gentle care and treat our patients like family to ensure they always feel at home.
