Many people clench their jaws or grind their teeth from time to time. Such people may be suffering from an oral condition called Bruxism. Grinding teeth or clenching jaws occasionally does not usually cause any harm. If grinding or clenching occurs on a regular basis, however, the teeth can be damaged, and oral health complications could arise.

Many believe that stress or anxiety is the reason why individuals clench jaws or grind their teeth. While it is true, the fact is, most individuals also clench their jaws or grind their teeth during sleep, when they are free from any stress or anxiety! The reason why these individuals clench jaws or grind teeth during sleep is perhaps due to crooked or misaligned teeth or an abnormal bite.

Since clenching or grinding can also occur during sleep, how would you know whether you grind or clench your teeth? Well, an indicative symptom of teeth grinding is a sore jaw or a mild, persistent headache. You can also learn about your clenching or grinding problem from your partner who hears the scrabbling sound at night.

If you think you have a clenching or teeth-grinding problem, see one of our experienced dentists in Tysons Corner today. Our skilled dentist in Tysons Corner will examine your mouth and jaws for signs leading to clenching or grinding, such as jaw tenderness and abnormalities in teeth.

Teeth grinding or clenching is harmful as continuous grinding or clenching can lead to loosening or fracturing of teeth. It can even cause loss of teeth. Teeth grinding, in particular, can wear down your teeth to their stumps. When any oral complications arise because of clenching or grinding, dental implants, root canals, crowns, bridges, or dentures become necessary. Furthermore, severe teeth grinding not only result in tooth loss, but it can also affect your jaws, which could lead to temporomandibular disorders (TMD) or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

In order to prevent teeth grinding or clenching, dentists in Tysons Corner at SmilePerfectors will help you with a custom-fit nightguard (mouth guard), which protects your teeth from clenching or grinding during sleep. If anxiety is the reason why you grind or clench your teeth, then consult your family doctor or one of our experienced dentists about the ways to ease the anxiety. Some helpful tips to prevent teeth clenching or teeth grinding include:

• Stop consuming foods and drinks, which contain caffeine, like coffee, chocolate, and cola
• Avoid alcohol consumption. Teeth grinding or clenching often intensifies after alcohol consumption
• Stop chewing pencils or pens or anything that is not edible
• Relax your jaw muscles every night by keeping a warm washcloth on your cheek
• Force yourself not to grind or clench your teeth. If you grind or clench consciously during the day, then position your tongue between your teeth; it will prevent you from clenching or grinding your teeth

Want to learn more about teeth grinding and how to prevent it? Get in touch with skilled dentists in Tysons Corner at SmilePerfectors http://smileperfectors.com/.