Learn How Tooth Grinding Affects Your Overall Well-being
Do you or a loved one grind, gnash or clench your teeth?
The medical term is Bruxism (teeth grinding) and dentists put it into two categories – awake Bruxism and asleep Bruxism.
If you have sleep Bruxism, it may come with other sleep-related disorders such as snoring or sleep apnea (when you stop breathing for periods). Your partner may tell you about your sleep actions or you may suffer symptoms and realize it is an issue.
While a mild case of Bruxism is nothing to worry about, a more severe case can lead to problems including jaw disorders, headaches and damaged teeth.
Symptoms that might be caused by Bruxism include:
- Teeth grinding noise that wakes up your partner
- Flattened, fractured, chipped or loose teeth
- Tooth enamel damage
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- Stressed jaw muscles or a locked jaw
- Jaw, neck or face pain, soreness or discomfort
- Earaches or pain
- Headaches
- Mouth sores from chewing the inside of your cheek
- Interrupted or irregular sleep patterns
Sometimes children get Bruxism too.
The cause of Bruxism hasn’t been medically proven, but many doctors and dentists believe it may be hereditary. They also say it can be triggered by factors such as stress, anxiety, medication and age. It can also be common for people who suffer from various other illnesses or diseases, including epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Management of teeth grinding may include medication, mouth guards or referral to a sleep specialist. Many people grow out of teeth grinding or have bouts of it during certain stages of their life.
If you have any of the symptoms listed, you may be suffering from Bruxism. Please make an appointment with Smile Perfectors soon so we can assess your condition and help you deal with your teeth grinding issues.
