Bruxism is the technical name for teeth grinding, an issue that affects as many as one in ten adults. Of course, everyone clenches their teeth occasionally, it’s a natural stress reaction. You may even do it occasionally when you sleep. But, if you are doing it all the time you are causing damage and creating oral health problems in the future.
The Issue With Teeth Grinding
Teeth are coated in enamel, the strongest substance in the human body and one of the strongest on the planet. The enamel is attacked daily when you eat. Sugars and starches in food react with bacteria in your mouth to create acid which attacks the enamel. Over time it weakens the enamel, allowing bacteria inside the teeth.
This is when cavities start to form. If these are left untreated they will lead to more issues in the future, including abscesses and, in extreme cases, tooth loss.
Grinding your teeth has the same effect, it wears down the enamel coating on your teeth and increases the risk of cavities and infections. Considering research shows oral health and overall health are connected, your teeth grinding can have a detrimental effect on your entire body.
Signs That you Have been Grinding Your Teeth
If you are sleeping you may not be aware that you are grinding your teeth. However, if you start to notice the following you should get your teeth checked. Your dentist will be able to advise if you are grinding or not.
- Pain in your face especially in the morning
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Stiff jaw, this can also affect the muscles around the jaw
- Teeth are broken or fillings damaged
- Increased sensitivity in teeth
These symptoms are all linked with the issues created by grinding your teeth. The sooner you stop grinding the easier it will be for your teeth and face to recover. And if you want to further improve the appearance of your teeth, you can opt for porcelain veneers by a dentist in Little Falls. A nice smile can go a long way to leave a good first impression on people.
Dealing With Grinding
If you realize you are grinding your teeth then the first thing you need to do is book an appointment with your Sydney Park dentist. They can assess what damage has already been caused and will help you stop grinding.
The dentist may ask you to try stopping through a variety of methods. But, if these don’t work or the damage is severe, they are likely to offer a mouth guard which you wear at night. This will prevent you from being able to grind your teeth.
Alternative or accompanying methods including sleep therapy and muscle relaxation exercises. In many cases, teeth grinding is a result of stress and anxiety. The above techniques are designed to alleviate this, helping you to sleep better without grinding. But, it can also be a good idea to see a counselor to discuss what is causing your anxiety. It is better to deal with it and eliminate the issue.
Your dentist is there to help you resolve this issue, use the professional services available and you’ll be surprised at how quickly you can stop suffering from Bruxism.