Why You Might Be Grinding Your Jaw and Ways You Can Treat It
Do you ever pause your current activity to suddenly find your jaw is grinding down? Do you wake up in the morning feeling pain in your head, tooth pain, or jaw pain? You might be dealing with bruxism – an issue that involves gnashing, clenching, or biting your teeth during the day or when sleeping at nighttime. This is one of the detrimental oral patterns for your smile that affects 1 out of 10 people. Patients might have symptoms of teeth grinding due to various causes, but if neglected, it could harm your dental wellness. Keep reading to find out more about bruxism signs and the ways our trained dental experts at Made Ya Smile Rayford, TX in Spring, TX can help you manage this concern.
What is teeth clenching?
Bad oral practices could consist of cigarettes, indulging in a lot of sugary treats, not consuming enough water, and teeth grinding. The cause of jaw clenching is unique to every person, but the oral care practitioners at Made Ya Smile Rayford, TX will monitor for symptoms of teeth grinding throughout every dental checkup. Whether it is genetic, psychological, or physical, it is a disorder that might affect your oral wellness. Nighttime jaw muscle activity is often related to acid reflux, ADHD, or certain sleep problems, such as abnormal breathing during sleep. Daytime teeth clenching, however, is normally provoked by worry and stress.
How do I identify typical bruxism indicators?
At Made Ya Smile Rayford, TX, our practitioners look for indications of jaw clenching throughout routine dental examinations. The act of clenching or grinding is an issue that affects men, women, and even children. Specific factors, including worry, stress, common sleep problems, or crooked teeth can prompt people to grind their teeth. One of the most obvious indications of teeth clenching is the loss of tooth enamel; however, additional indicators involve:
- Ear pain
- Trouble staying asleep
- Tooth pain
- Headaches
- Broken restorations or teeth
- Tightness or pain in your jaw joint
- Receding gums
- Tightness in the neck, shoulder, or jaw area
What are teeth clenching treatment options?
Unconscious bruxism happens when the airway becomes blocked, triggering the body to make additional saliva and perform a grinding motion to permit the airway to relax. Clenching or shifting the upper and lower teeth back and forth is the own natural method to safeguard itself from the effects of sleep-related issues, like sleep apnea or chronic snoring. To defend your mouth and overall health from the effects of teeth grinding throughout the night, our oral care providers at Made Ya Smile Rayford, TX advise a custom-made night guard device. Composed of durable materials, the devices are engineered to mitigate pain and dental issues caused by jaw clenching. Other treatment methods are:
- Seek treatment for related health problems, such as GERD
- Perform proper jaw and mouth exercises during your daily activities
- Incorporate relaxation methods, such as deep breathing or seeking out support
- BOTOX® injections to reduce hyperactivity of the masseter muscle
- Treat any sleep conditions, like breathing issues, to improve sleep-related teeth grinding
Are you in need of a dentist in Spring, TX?
Clenching or grinding of the teeth may lead to injury and discomfort, affecting your dental health in various regards. A personalized nighttime dental guard may be an effective way to shield your mouth, sleep more soundly, and lessen teeth grinding symptoms. When you require a customized dental guard appliance or wish to find out additional information about bruxism, reach out to our friendly staff at Made Ya Smile Rayford, TX in Spring, TX.