Bruxism The grinding and clenching of teeth is known as bruxism. This condition impacts the lives of many people and can be quite painful and destructive for the teeth. Fortunately, there are a few ways to reduce the impact of bruxism on your dental health. Why Do People Grind Their Teeth?Although the exact cause is unknown, most people believe it is due to stress and anxiety. Teeth grinding is a natural reaction of your body to nervousness or tense situations. However, there may be other causes as well, including: smoking, caffeine, alcohol consumption, crooked teeth, snoring, sleep apnea, or an abnormal bite. What most people aren’t aware of is that bruxism usually occurs during sleep at night. In many cases, bruxism occurs at night due to sleep apnea. Symptoms and Effects of BruxismMany people aren’t aware of their own grinding, which is why it is important to be on the lookout for certain symptoms of bruxism, including:
Grinding your teeth occasionally is not a cause for real concern. However, consistent bruxism leads to broken teeth, loss of tooth enamel, and in many serious cases, loss of teeth. Chronic bruxism can cause your teeth to loosen or fracture that eventually leads to tooth loss. Moreover, chronic teeth grinding also causes your teeth to significantly wear down. When this occurs, you may need to opt for tooth restoration procedures, such as dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, and root canals. Additionally, not only can chronic bruxism lead to tooth loss, but it can also affect your jaw and cause TMD or TMJ. MouthguardsIn most cases, bruxism is treated by wearing a mouthguard for your teeth while you sleep. Also known as dental guards or night guards, mouthguards work by placing a barrier between your teeth. When you clench your jaw to grind your teeth, the dental guard works to lighten the tension and provide additional cushioning to the muscles in the jaw. Not only does this cushioning help prevent jaw and facial pain, but it also protects the enamel of your teeth. Mouthguards are available over-the-counter without a prescription, and you can also purchase them directly from the dentist or from an online retailer. It is important to note that there are a few ways in which mouthguard can be fitted, which is why you will have to find one that works best for your individual needs. Tips to Help Adjust to Mouthguards for TeethAdjusting to mouthguard can be a little difficult for most people. Here are a few tips that can help you easily adjust to them:
If you notice any signs of bruxism, you should pay a visit to your dentist. You can book an appointment at our clinic Ford Dental Group by calling us at (714) 409-6161. |
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(714) 409-6161 info@forddentalgroup.com LOCATION 5355 Warner Ave, Suite 101, Huntington Beach, CA 92649 |
