Did you know that you may grind your teeth during sleep and may not even be aware of it?
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a condition characterized by clenching or grinding the teeth. This often occurs involuntarily and can happen during the day or night.
Grinding teeth can lead to various issues, therefore it is of outmost importance to attend your annual check-ups and keep a loop on our oral health:
Do you recognize any of the following issues?
1. Damage to Teeth: The pressure and friction from grinding can wear down the enamel, leading to tooth damage, fractures, or even loss of teeth.
2. Jaw Pain: Grinding can cause muscle soreness and pain in the jaw joint, which could lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
3. Headaches: The constant pressure on the teeth and jaw muscles can result in frequent headaches, especially in the morning.
4. Disrupted Sleep: If teeth grinding occurs at night, it can disrupt sleep patterns for both the person grinding their teeth and their sleep partner.
5. Ear Pain: The close connection between the jaw joint and the ears can cause ear pain as a result of teeth grinding.
There are various reasons why people grind their teeth, including stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Treatment options for teeth grinding may include mouthguards to protect teeth, stress management techniques and lifestyle changes. If you suspect you are grinding your teeth, it’s essential to consult with our specialized dentists to prevent further damage and address the underlying causes.